A fire and consequent blast claimed lives of five people in Cochin. Like any other day, a ship was under repair at the Cochin Shipyard Limited with the workers onboard. As usual, when the workers were about to deboard it for the breakfast break, an unusual event occurred. A fire broke out in the water tank at on the front side of the ship.

An official from the shipyard informed that the people killed were contract labourers. The three injured were admitted to a private hospital out of them one has sustained 40 percent burns and is in a critical condition. The ship had 11 persons trapped who were rescued and admitted to hospital immediately.

The accident site was visited by the city police commissioner M P Dinesh who reviewed the situation and supervised the rescue operation.

The cause of death is ascertained as the cause of death. Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources expressed condolences and ordered a probe in the matter. He wrote on Twitter, “Shocked by the unfortunate blast at Cochin Shipyard... My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. I have spoken to MD, Cochin Shipyard n asked him to provide all necessary medical support to victims n to initiate immed inquiry with help of concerned agencies (sic).”

Kerala Chief Minister also condoled the unfortunate accident.