Vizag mishap: DRDO probes into nuclear submarine, Defence says Navy not affected by mishap

New Delhi: The defence ministry on Sunday rejected speculation that the work on the under-construction nuclear submarine at Visakhapatnam would be affected by the mishap that occurred on Saturday in which a civilian worker was killed.

The ministry added that an inquiry has been ordered by the department of defence R&D to investigate the accident. The defence ministry on Sunday stated that the mishap at the nuclear submarine at Visakhapatnam was not connected with any nuclear-related activity and would not adversely affect the project or the Navy.

“No defence personnel were involved in the accident. The accident is in no way (connected) with any nuclear-related activity. The submarines are safe and the accident does not adversely affect the project or the activities of the Indian Navy or the DRDO,” the ministry said in a statement.

The latest accident occurred when L&T, an industrial partner, was undertaking preparatory activities for hydro-pressure testing of a tank at the Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam, the statement added.

“The test of the component was part of the standard industrial process being carried out by the industrial partner,” it said, adding that, “Work related to the pressure system involved in the accident has been suspended till the cause is established and safety measures are put in place.”

Two other workers, who were also injured in the accident in Visakhapatnam are now in a stable condition.

The defence forces, including the Navy, have come under severe criticism after a number of such incidents. Another accident on Friday in Mumbai resulted in the death of a Navy commander in a gas leak on an under-construction warship.