Transformer fire at Amona substation cuts power to Sanquelim and Valpoi for 12 hours
May 2026Published 7 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
- Where
- Amona 220kV substation in Navelim, Sanquelim, Goa
- What
- Transformer caught fire following lightning, strong winds and heavy rain
- Cause
- Lightning strike combined with strong winds and heavy rain
- Response
- Fire services from Bicholim and 80 to 90 personnel deployed
- Outcome
- Power supply interrupted for 12 hours, one transformer damaged
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What happened
A transformer at the Amona 220kV substation in Navelim, Sanquelim, Goa, caught fire following lightning, strong winds and heavy rain in the early hours. The resulting explosion damaged bus bars used for power transmission within the substation, destroyed insulators and completely burnt the transformer oil, rendering the facility non-functional. Power supply to Sanquelim and Valpoi substations was interrupted at around 5am and was gradually restored across affected areas by 5pm, roughly 12 hours later.
Fire and emergency services from Bicholim brought the blaze under control. Around 80 to 90 personnel, including engineers and staff, were deployed to carry out restoration work, partly through back-feeding from alternative sources and using balance transformers, since one transformer was extensively damaged. Heavy rain also caused snapped conductors and uprooted poles in some areas. Domestic power was restored first, with industrial consumers expected to receive regular supply only after a further few days.
Contributing factors
Lightning strike combined with strong winds and heavy rain in the early hours preceded the transformer fire and explosion; the loss of one transformer left the substation reliant on back-feeding and balance transformers to restore supply.
Lessons learned
- Lightning with strong winds and heavy rain can trigger transformer fire and explosion, so operators should verify surge protection and structural security on exposed units.
- Loss of one transformer forces reliance on back-feeding and balance units, so substations should maintain spare capacity or tested restoration paths.
- Heavy rain can also snap conductors and uproot poles, so crews must inspect overhead lines after storms before full restoration.
More lessons on theft, arson and site security, weather and external hazards, from every incident on the register.
Not yet known
- Transformer model and age
- Cost of the damage and repairs
- Exact duration of industrial supply delay
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Other entries that name Sanquelim
Published 2026-09-07. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
