Toxic gas leak kills 2 on India's largest naval ship

At least two people, including a sailor, were killed and two others injured after inhaling toxic fumes on board India's naval ship INS Vikramaditya, officials said Saturday.

The incident took place Friday evening when the Russian made aircraft carrier, according to Indian Navy, was undergoing repairs at Karwar in southwest state of Karnataka.

"The incident of gas leakage took place yesterday evening while the ship was undergoing maintenance repairs in the sewage treatment plant compartment," said a statement issued by Indian navy.

"Due to inhalation of the toxic fumes, two naval sailors and two civilian workers were evacuated to naval hospital at Karwar," it added.

Of the four hospitalized, two succumbed to gas inhalation, while the condition of the other two was stated to be stable.

The navy has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

INS Vikramaditya is considered to be India's largest naval ship, equipped with a variety of integral weapons and sensors.

According to India's state-run broadcaster - All India Radio, the ship has been undergoing maintenance repair since June 1.

In April this year three Indian navy personnel were wounded, one of them critically, in a blast aboard naval ship INS Nireekshak. Endit