Momentary explosion near AC plant behind Cochin Shipyard fire

Preliminary assessment at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) shows that Tuesday’s blast incident was caused by a momentary explosion of high impact near the air-conditioning plant situated above the Ballast Tank of Oil and Natural Gas Company’s (ONGC) drill ship – Sagar Bhushan.

At least five workers died and 11 others suffered injuries due to the incident that occurred on Tuesday. “The Director, Factories & Boilers has visited the spot and recorded his observations.  As per the preliminary assessment, the accident has been caused by a momentary explosion of high impact that has occurred near the air-conditioning plant, which is situated above the ballast tank.  The probable location of the explosion was identified based on the nature of the deflections on the bulkheads (steel walls) and the damage extant observed during the inspection,” read a statement by CSL on Wednesday.

CSL has also clarified that the source of gas leakage and reason for the explosion is yet to be confirmed and the same would be clarified only after the internal enquiry ordered by the company is completed.  The accident is observed to have happened near the air-conditioning plant, when the area was being inspected by CSL Fire and Safety personnel prior to issuing work permit for starting of the work. Soon after the incident, the site of the accident was cordoned off and forensic wing of the police department are investigating further.

Yesterday, CSL had announced Rs 10 lakhs to the family of the deceased in addition to other statutory benefits as applicable and Rs 25,000 as immediate incidental expenses to the family of deceased.  Apart from that, medical care and treatment expenditures of the injured are being met by CSL.

Minister of State (Finance & Shipping) Pon. Radhakrishnan visited the accident site on Wednesday, thereafter, extend additional assistance of amount equivalent to two months wages to the deceased workers, employment as appropriate based on qualification to an immediate dependent family member of each deceased, education assistance for children of deceased up to completion of degree level education and to disburse wages to the injured till he returns for work.