Tragedy Strikes Sylhet Airport: Technician Killed in Boarding Bridge Wheel Explosion

Published: 1st August 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk.The English Chronicle Online

A tragic accident at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Thursday has claimed the life of a young technician and left another critically injured, sending shockwaves through the aviation community and raising serious concerns about safety protocols during maintenance operations. The incident occurred around midday when a routine wheel replacement operation on one of the airport’s boarding bridges turned fatal.

The deceased, Rumman Ahmed, aged 22, was a resident of Tilapara under the jurisdiction of the Biman Bandar Police in Sylhet city. The other victim, Enamul, aged 25, hails from the nearby village of Mohaldig. Both were part of a team of six technicians engaged in scheduled maintenance work on a boarding bridge used for passenger embarkation and disembarkation.

According to Hafiz Ahmed, Director of Sylhet Osmani International Airport, the team had been in the process of replacing the wheels of the bridge when the incident occurred. “One of the wheels exploded suddenly, likely due to mishandling or incorrect disassembly from its slot. The force of the blast was severe, leaving two of the technicians seriously injured on site,” he said.

Emergency medical services responded promptly, and the injured were rushed to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital. Despite immediate medical intervention, Rumman succumbed to his injuries after being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. He was declared dead at approximately 3:30pm, said the airport director. His colleague Enamul remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at the same facility.

While the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be officially determined, initial observations suggest a possible lapse in safety handling during the maintenance process. Airport authorities have confirmed that no damage occurred to any aircraft or to the airport’s infrastructure, though the impact of the incident was deeply felt among staff and observers.

“We are treating this as a serious industrial accident and have initiated a comprehensive internal investigation,” Hafiz Ahmed confirmed. “All relevant procedures will be followed, and any necessary legal action will be taken once the facts are established.”

Biman Bandar Police, led by Officer-in-Charge Syed Anisur Rahman, responded swiftly to the scene. “We were informed immediately and visited the site. An official report will be filed upon receiving a written statement from the airport authorities. We are treating the matter with due diligence,” Rahman told reporters.

The incident has brought attention to the broader issue of occupational safety at Bangladesh’s airports. Aviation workers, particularly those involved in technical and mechanical operations, often face high-risk situations under challenging conditions. The tragic death of Rumman Ahmed underscores the need for rigorous enforcement of safety measures, regular training, and the implementation of international-standard protocols to prevent such accidents in the future.

Industry experts and aviation safety analysts have called for a full review of maintenance procedures at all major airports across the country. Several have also emphasized the necessity of immediate government oversight to ensure accountability in operations that involve life-threatening equipment.

Meanwhile, tributes have begun pouring in for Rumman Ahmed, who has been described by colleagues as hardworking, humble, and dedicated. His sudden death has cast a shadow over the airport community, where staff continue to grapple with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming days. As Bangladesh’s aviation sector continues to expand, Thursday’s accident serves as a grim reminder that behind every flight is a vast workforce whose safety must be a top priority.