Worker Dies in Tank Structure Accident

A construction worker tragically lost his life in a suspected suffocation and accident-related incident while dismantling temporary support structures inside a water reservoir tank in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur on Monday morning.

The deceased, identified as 52-year-old Masum Molla, entered the confined water tank to remove wooden and bamboo shuttering materials used during construction work. The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. at a newly constructed fish market adjacent to the Senior Assistant Judge Court premises in Bhanga municipal town.

According to local sources and fire service officials, the fish market construction had been ongoing for approximately one month. The structure was designed to accommodate fish traders, and a reinforced concrete platform had been built with a central water reservoir tank intended for operational use. Construction work had reportedly been completed only a few days prior to the incident.

Masum Molla, son of Abdul Hai Sheikh from Raghunathpur village in Nazirpur upazila of Pirojpur district, had been staying in the Bhanga municipal area for several months in connection with construction labour work.

Fire service officials suspect that multiple factors may have contributed to his death. Bhanga Fire Service Station Officer Abu Zafar stated that the worker entered the tank, which still contained a small amount of stagnant water. While attempting to dismantle the internal shuttering, he may have been struck by falling wooden materials. Alternatively, toxic gases or severe foul odour accumulated inside the enclosed space could have led to asphyxiation.

He added that confined construction spaces often pose serious hazards due to limited ventilation, especially when water and decomposing materials are present. “When we recovered him, he was unconscious. He was immediately taken to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead shortly after arrival,” he said.

Police have confirmed that the body has been kept at the Upazila Health Complex morgue. Investigations are underway, and legal procedures will be initiated following discussions with the deceased’s family.

Authorities are expected to examine whether proper safety measures were followed during post-construction dismantling work inside the tank.

Key Details of the Incident

The incident has raised renewed concerns about safety protocols in construction sites, particularly in confined environments where workers are exposed to multiple hidden risks.