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Grid infrastructureKuwaitEIR-0494

Transformer explosion during maintenance cuts power in Salmiya, Kuwait

May 2025Published 7 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

MinorElectricalProvisional25 MW
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersLow confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
Al-Raas M main transformer station, Salmiya, Kuwait
What
Minor explosion during maintenance caused 25 MW outage
Injuries
One engineer sustained minor injuries
Cause
Not reported
Outcome
Crews worked to restore system stability

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Ministry of Electricity

What happened

A minor explosion occurred at the Al-Raas M (Head M) main transformer station during maintenance work, causing a power outage that affected parts of Salmiya, Kuwait. The incident resulted in the loss of approximately 25 megawatts of electricity supply to the area. One engineer working at the site sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity confirmed that safety protocols were immediately enforced following the explosion, and crews worked to restore system stability. This account is based on a single news report; further details on cause and duration were not available.

Contributing factors

The explosion occurred during maintenance work at the transformer station. The specific technical cause was not reported.

Lessons learned

  1. Transformer stations require strict isolation and lockout during maintenance because an explosion occurred while work was under way.
  2. Site safety protocols must cover immediate protection of remaining staff after a transformer explosion.

More lessons on worker safety and safe systems of work, electrical protection and isolation, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the explosion
  • Duration of the outage
  • Model and age of the transformer

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

arabtimesonline.com

Other entries that name Salmiya

Published 2026-09-07. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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Chart to reuse with this story: Grid infrastructure incidents by year, free with a credit (PNG).

Grid infrastructure incidents in Kuwait: 4 entries, with a free alert for the next one.

Substation and transformer fires: the counts, the latest entries and a free alert for the next one. Also: transformer explosions.

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