Two workers killed after lift cable breaks at GPH Ispat in Chattogram's Sitakunda
One died upon arrival at CMCH, and the other passed away while receiving treatment, said police
Two workers were killed at the GPH Ispat steel factory in Sitakunda this morning (13 April) when a lift cable snapped, causing them to fall from the fourth floor of the facility.
The incident occurred around 9:45am at the factory located in the Sultana Mandir area of Kumira Union, Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mojibur Rahman confirmed to The Business Standard.
The deceased were identified as Md. Mostafa, 25, son of Roshen Jamman from the Bashbaria Union in Sitakunda, and Rifat, 24, son of Shamsul Haque from the Karua area of Mirsarai, he said.
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"Both workers were critically injured when the lift cable broke. One died upon arrival at CMCH, and the other passed away while receiving treatment. Their bodies are currently at the hospital morgue and will be handed over to their families following post-mortem examinations," he added.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident and stated that legal actions will follow based on the findings.
According to police, the two workers were carrying a compressor machine using an electrical hoist lift while performing air conditioning maintenance work on the fourth floor of the steel plant. During the lift's ascent, the cable reportedly snapped, causing both workers to plunge several stories down and sustain critical injuries.
They were immediately rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where doctors pronounced Mostafa dead upon arrival at 11:40am. Rifat was admitted to the hospital's neurosurgery ward but succumbed to his injuries around 2pm.
GPH Ispat mourns the deaths
Mourning the deaths, GPH Ispat authority issued a statement this evening.
The statement signed by Osman Gani Chowdhury, media adviser of the company, reads, "We are deeply saddened by an unfortunate accident that occurred at 10:00am on 13 April 2025, when a lift, designated for transporting materials, collapsed due to excessive load.
Despite strict safety protocols prohibiting personnel from using the lift, two contractor assistants, Nurur Safa, boarded it with materials, causing the cable to snap. Both workers were immediately rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital by our ambulance, accompanied by our medical team, but sadly succumbed to their injuries.
"GPH Ispat extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and remains committed to supporting them during this difficult time. Safety is our highest priority, and this loss has profoundly impacted us."
The company emphasised its commitment to safety and expressed grief over the loss of the workers.
It said authorities are investigating the incident to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.
