3 Navy Personnel Killed in Blast Onboard INS Ranvir; Probe Ordered Into Cause

The blast took place in an internal compartment onboard the destroyer, reports said.

Three personnel of the Indian Navy were on Tuesday, 18 January, killed in an accidental blast on the INS Ranvir.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Shiv Aroor)

Three personnel of the Indian Navy were on Tuesday, 18 January, killed in an accidental blast on the INS Ranvir at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai.

Eleven sailors have been injured in the blast and are being treated at the local naval hospital, news agency ANI reported, quoting sources.

As per ANI, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of Krishan Kumar MCPO I, Surinder Kumar MCPO II, and AK Singh MCPO II, who succumbed to injuries caused by the accident.

The blast took place in an internal compartment onboard the destroyer, the Indian Navy said in a statement.

However, the situation was brought under control by the crew of the ship, and no major material damage has occurred.

"In an unfortunate incident today at Naval Dockyard Mumbai, three naval personnel succumbed to injuries caused by an explosion in an internal compartment onboard INS Ranvir. The ship's crew responded immediately and quickly brought the situation under control. No major material damage has been reported."

Ministry of Defence

News agency ANI cited Mumbai Police as saying that the Colaba Police Station had registered an accidental death report (ADR) in the matter. The investigation is underway, they further added.

The INS Ranvir was on cross-coast operational deployment from the Eastern Naval Command and was due to return to the base port shortly, the statement added.

A Board of Inquiry has been ordered to probe the blast, the officials further said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the incident "extremely sad" and extended his condolences to the family and friends of those who had lost their lives.

(With inputs from ANI.)