MARGAO
The death toll in last Friday’s tragic explosion and flash fire at Vijay Marine Services, Loutolim, has risen to five, following the death of two more injured workers. The incident occurred while labourers were engaged in welding and repair work on an under-construction 80-metre landing craft vessel.
According to police sources, seven workers were injured in the blast that shook the shipyard on Friday evening. Two of them were declared “brought dead” at the South Goa District Hospital shortly after the mishap. Hospital authorities revealed that the deceased had sustained severe burn injuries, making identification possible only through their clothing.
Of the remaining victims, one worker with a bone dislocation has since been discharged, while another continues to battle severe burns at the hospital. The condition of the latter is said to be stable but critical.
The Maina-Curtorim Police have so far arrested the site supervisor of Vijay Marine Services, identified as Raju Boro, a resident of Quelossim and a native of Assam, in connection with the incident. He was later released on bail, DySP Sidhant Shirodkar confirmed.
Police sources indicated that further arrests have not been ruled out, as investigations continue into possible negligence and safety lapses at the worksite. DySP Shirodkar also informed that dying declarations of the deceased workers were recorded while they were receiving treatment, which may play a crucial role in the ongoing probe.
