Chattogram, Aug. 14 -- Eight workers, including two siblings, died and 14 others fell ill after inhaling leaked gas during shipbreaking at a yard in Bhatiary of Sitakunda upazila on Friday morning.

The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.

Witnesses said a gas pipeline was accidentally severed while workers were dismantling a ship at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries around 11:15am, located along the Bay of Bengal coast west of Bhatiary Railway Station.

Leaked gas spread through the shipbreaking yard, causing several workers to inhale it and fall ill.

Locals said two workers died on the spot while 20 others fell sick after inhaling gas.

The affected workers were rescued and initially taken to Bhatiary BSBA ...