No N-activity at Vizag accident site, says Navy

The defence ministry has said that the accident at the under-construction nuclear submarine at Visakhapatnam was not connected with any nuclear-related activity. In a statement, defence ministry spokesperson said the submarines are safe and the accident does not adversely affect project activities or those of either the Indian Navy or DRDO.

The statement said an inquiry has been ordered by the department of defence (R&D) into the accident. It added that the accident occurred when an industrial partner Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was undertaking preparatory activities for hydro-pressure testing of a tank at the ship building centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. The statement added no defence personnel were involved in the accident.

 It said the worker who was killed and the two others injured belonged to L&T. According to reports, the accident occurred when a metal sheet fell on them while working on the hull of an Arihant-class under construction submarine. The workers were on contract, engaged by L&T, the key contractor for the nuclear subs being built here. 

 An inquiry has been ordered by the defence ministry on Saturday’s mishap that occurred at SBC under the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam killing one and injuring two others. This is the third navy-related accident in less than a month in the country.