Three Indian Navy personnel were killed and 11 injured in an explosion on the INS Ranvir in Mumbai on Tuesday, reported NDTV.
In a statement, the Union defence ministry said that a board of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the incident. Unidentified officials told NDTV that the explosion took place around 4.30 pm and was not related to weapons or ammunition.
The ship’s crew responded immediately brought the situation under control, the statement said. No major material damage was reported, it said, according to News18.
“INS Ranvir was on cross coast operational deployment from the Eastern Naval Command since November 2021 and was due to return to base port shortly,” it said.
Unidentified officials told News18 that naval personnel who died had had got stuck under debris created by the explosion.
The deceased personnel have been identified as Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) First Class Krishan Kumar, MCPO Second Class Surinder Kumar and MCPO Second Class A K Singh.
INS Ranvir is among the oldest warships of the Navy, according to The Indian Express. It was commissioned in April 1986.
Meanwhile, Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and the Navy on Wednesday expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased.
“We fully stand by with the families in this difficult time,” the Navy said.
Several politicians, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, also offered their condolences.
“The news of explosion onboard INS Ranvir is extremely sad,” he tweeted. “My condolences to the family and friends of the Navy sailors who’ve lost their lives. Wishing quick and complete recovery for the injured.”
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