Worker Dies Inside Water Tank Site

A construction worker has died after becoming unconscious while dismantling temporary internal structures inside a water reservoir tank at a development site in Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila.

The incident occurred around 10:00 am on Monday in the fish market construction area adjacent to the Senior Assistant Judge Court premises in Bhanga municipal town. The victim, identified as 52-year-old Masum Molla, was originally from Raghunathpur village in Nazirpur upazila of Pirojpur district. He had been living in the Bhanga area for several years, working intermittently as a construction labourer.

According to eyewitness accounts and local sources, construction of a permanent fish market had been underway in the area for approximately one month. As part of the infrastructure, a reinforced water reservoir tank had been built to ensure a stable water supply for the market facilities. After completion of the main construction work, workers were engaged in removing temporary bamboo and wooden support structures placed inside the tank during the building phase.

On Monday morning, Mr Molla entered the partially water-filled tank to carry out the dismantling work. Within a short time, he reportedly became unconscious inside the confined space. Fellow workers, noticing his prolonged absence and lack of response, rushed to the scene and attempted a rescue.

Officials from the local fire service and civil defence confirmed that the worker was pulled out of the tank and immediately transported to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex. However, attending physicians declared him dead upon examination.

Preliminary assessments suggest that the death may have been caused by exposure to toxic gases accumulated in stagnant water, oxygen deficiency within the enclosed structure, or possible trauma sustained from collapsing wooden supports. Authorities, however, stressed that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after a detailed investigation.

Police from Bhanga Police Station have initiated an inquiry into the incident. The body has been sent to the hospital morgue for post-mortem examination, and the victim’s family has been informed. Legal procedures will follow in consultation with the relatives.

Locals have expressed concern over the apparent lack of adequate safety measures at the construction site. Many believe that proper ventilation, protective equipment, and confined-space safety protocols were not sufficiently enforced, contributing to the fatal accident. They have urged the authorities to ensure stricter compliance with occupational safety standards in future public and private construction projects.

Incident Summary

The tragedy has cast a pall of grief over the local community, reigniting concerns about worker safety in construction sites across the region.