PANAJI: A tragic incident unfolded at a private shipyard in South Goa on Friday, where an explosion claimed the lives of two workers and left four others with critical injuries. The blast is believed to have occurred around 6 pm in an enclosed chamber of a ship undergoing repairs at the Vijai Marine Services Shipyard.
Leading firefighter Antonio Moniz reported that the explosion originated from the electrical panel on the anchor deck of the 160-meter vessel, which was nearing the completion of its paint job and had already been re-launched into the water. The two deceased workers were employed on a daily wage basis.
While the exact cause of the blast is subject to further investigation, initial reports suggest it happened within the ship’s structure. Revenue official Naguesh Naik confirmed that the injured workers sustained severe burns, with one suffering 80% burn injuries. He also noted that one of the injured individuals has since been discharged from the hospital.
Officials from Vijai Marine Services have been unavailable for comment regarding the incident.