DRDO plays down sub site accident
According to DRDO, a contractual worker lost his life while two others were injured in the accident when a pressure tank was being tested
VISAKHAPATNAM: One person was killed in an accident here at a shipbuilding centre where three nuclear-powered submarines are being developed. But the DRDO said yesterday the accident won’t hit the programme.
“The submarines are safe and the accident (that took place on Saturday) does not adversely affect the project,” the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) said.
According to DRDO, a contractual worker lost his life while two others were injured in the accident when a pressure tank was being tested. “During testing of a pressure tank at a facility... related to development of submarines, an accident took place (outside the submarine) at about 5pm,” said the statement. The accident took place when the tank’s lid fell on the workers as pressure of the hydraulic tank of the Arihant class submarine was being tested.
Under the Arihant class submarine development programme, India is building three submarines.
DRDO clarified the accident would not hit the programme. “The submarines are safe and the accident does not adversely affect the project.”
Probe ordered
The department of defence research and development has ordered investigations into the incident. According to a separate statement by the defence ministry, the accident occurred while L&T, an industrial partner, was undertaking preparatory activities of hydro pressure test of a tank inside a building at the Ship Building Centre.
“The test of the component was part of the standard industrial process being carried out by the industrial partner at the facility.”
The condition of the injured workers is said to be stable.
“No defence personnel were involved in the accident. The accident is in no way related with any nuclear related activity,” it said.
“The submarines are safe and the accident does not adversely affect the project activities or the activities of Indian Navy or DRDO,” the statement added.
Work related to the pressure system involved in accident has been suspended till the cause is established and mitigating measures are put in place.