3 years after explosion on INS Ranvir killed 3, gas-supplying firm booked

The explosion occurred between 4.30 pm and 5 pm on January 18, 2022, while the warship was docked. At the time, INS Ranvir was on a cross-coast operational deployment from the Eastern Naval Command since November 2021 and was due to return to its base.

The case was registered based on a complaint from a Lieutenant Commander who was an assistant engineer on the vessel in 2022. He stated that he was in the engine room when an explosion rocked the ship. On investigation, the personnel discovered that the blast had taken place in the AC compartment, where the AC plant were kept shut for maintenance for two months.

“Before the incident, all gas had been collected in the AC plant’s condenser, and all condenser valves were closed. Additionally, no other machinery in the compartment could have caused the explosion,” the complainant told police.

The three deceased personnel were identified as Krishan Kumar (MCPO I), Surinder Kumar (MCPO II), and AK Singh (MCPO II). They were reportedly in the unit above the AC compartment at the time of the explosion.

Following the tragedy, a Board of Inquiry was set up to investigate the cause. Gas samples from the Freon condenser were sent for analysis to the Centre for Fire, Explosives, and Environmental Safety (CFEES), DRDO in New Delhi, and IIT Powai in Mumbai.

The reports confirmed that the condenser contained Freon R152a gas, rather than the intended Freon R22. “The explosion occurred because M/s. Ajay Air Products (Pvt) Ltd., the company responsible for supplying the Freon gas, provided R152a instead of R22. As a result, three personnel lost their lives, 11 sustained injuries, and INS Ranvir suffered significant damage,” the complainant stated.