Transformer fault causes fatal power surge in Gundli Village, Rajasthan

A fault developed in an 11kV overhead power line passing through Gundli village in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. The fault caused a nearby transformer to catch fire and sent a power surge into the village electrical network. A resident was electrocuted while plugging in a mobile phone charger and died at the scene, while seven other people suffered burn injuries. Electrical appliances in around 50 homes were reportedly damaged by the surge. Villagers went to the Gundli village grid substation (GSS) to have the supply cut off but allegedly found staff there unresponsive. A crowd eventually forced the shutdown of the supply. Police detained two linemen from the substation in connection with the incident, and a case was registered while an investigation was launched. Villagers later protested, demanding compensation and relocation of the line away from the village.

An unrepaired or undetected fault on the 11kV line led to a transformer fire and a surge into consumer wiring; villagers allege that substation staff were intoxicated and unresponsive when contacted, delaying the shutdown of the supply.

1. Distribution utilities should ensure round the clock, sober and responsive staffing at substations so that supply can be cut immediately when a fault is reported.
2. Fault detection and automatic disconnection systems on medium voltage lines can reduce the risk of surges reaching consumer premises during a fault.
3. Routing 11kV lines away from the centre of residential areas reduces the consequences of line faults for occupants of nearby homes.

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