Families of workers who died after being exposed to toxic gas at a shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram, will receive Tk 1 million each, the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) has announced.

The incident occurred on Friday morning at Ferdous Steel Ship Breaking Yard in Bhatiary, Sitakunda, while workers were dismantling a decommissioned LNG carrier.

Toxic gas reportedly leaked from a tank, leaving several workers unconscious.

At least eight workers have died, while several others remain injured, according to reports.

Authorities suspect the vessel had not been properly cleared of hazardous gases before dismantling work began.

The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board has ordered a temporary suspension of operations at the yard, while investigation committees are being formed to determine the cause of the accident and assess whether proper safety measures were followed.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government would also stand by the affected families and take action if negligence is found.