One civilian worker was killed and two others injured in an accident at the nuclear submarine under construction at a Navy shipbuilding centre in Visakhapatnam, Indian media reported on Saturday night.

According to a report on The Times of India website, the incident took place when hydraulic tank’s pressure of the submarine was being tested.

The tank's lid fell on workers of the shipbuilding centre killing one and injuring two, Defence Research Development Organisation chief Avinash Chander told Press Trust of India.

“Unfortunately one worker (of the factory) lost his life in the incident” Chander said.

According to police sources, the deceased was identified as Amar who they said was killed on the spot while Amjad Khan and Vishnu were seriously injured and admitted to a private hospital in the city.

The nuclear submarine was a follow-up of the Navy's warship INS Arihant, said the report.

DRDO chief Chander said that concerned authorities were ordered to launch a probe into the incident.

He said there was no setback to the programme for development of Arihant class submarines.

The accident came a day after an Indian naval officer was killed and “some” dock workers were injured in a gas leak aboard a yet-to-be commissioned naval ship.