An accident occurred when an ammonia gas pipe of an ice plant burst in Patuakhali’s fishing port, Mahipur.
At least 20 workers and fishermen were injured after toxic gas was released. The condition of 5 of them is said to be critical.
At 2 am on Wednesday (October 22), the cornice pipe of the ice plant suddenly burst, causing ammonia gas to spread rapidly around.
Within moments, the surrounding environment was covered in thick smoke. This caused breathing difficulties, burning eyes, nausea and dizziness among the workers as well as the fishermen staying nearby. Upon receiving the information, a team of Kalapara Fire Service quickly reached the spot and started a rescue operation.
They provided first aid to the injured and sent 5 people in critical condition to Kalapara Upazila Health Complex. Abul Hossain, the station officer in charge of Kalapara Fire Service, said, “Ammonia is a very dangerous gas. It causes serious damage to the respiratory system, eyes and skin. If we had not taken immediate action, there could have been a major loss of life.”
Meanwhile, locals who visited the scene said that several ice mills in the area, including the Gazi Ice Plant, have been operating in old and unsafe conditions for a long time.
Gas leakage has occurred in these mills before, but no permanent solution has been taken by the owners or the administration.
According to environmental experts, ammonia gas is very harmful to the human respiratory system as well as the environment and biodiversity. It can pollute the air and surrounding water, posing a risk to fish and other aquatic animals. After the incident, the fire service has instructed to temporarily close the ice mill.
It has also been advised not to restart it until safety is verified.
Local residents have demanded regular monitoring and strengthened safety measures at the ice mills to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.