Transformer fault causes fatal power surge in Gundli Village, Rajasthan

What happened

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.

Contributing factors

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.

Lessons learned

1. Unresponsive staff at a grid substation delayed supply shutdown after an 11kV line fault was reported.
2. A fault on an 11kV overhead line led to a transformer fire and surge into consumer wiring.
3. Medium voltage lines routed through villages increase the risk of surges damaging appliances in nearby homes.

More lessons on outages, backup supply and restoration, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

• Exact cause of the 11kV line fault
• Transformer model and age
• Cost of damage and compensation
• Duration of supply outage

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Source

bhaskarenglish.in