Pole-mounted transformer explodes injuring three in Hyderabad

What happened

A pole-mounted transformer of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company exploded on Khai Road in Hyderabad. Officials said the unit caught fire before a powerful explosion, and burning oil spilled onto people nearby. The fire spread to a nearby dhaba hotel and damaged five vehicles and motorcycles. Three people were injured, taken to hospital and later reported to be out of danger. Rescue teams brought the fire under control after a two-hour operation. Company teams were notified but were reported not to have reached the site in time.

Contributing factors

The transformer caught fire before it exploded, and burning oil was reported to have spilled onto people nearby. Company teams were reported not to have reached the site in time. The cause of the fire was not stated.

Lessons learned

1. A fire in a pole-mounted transformer can precede an explosion and release burning oil onto people nearby.
2. If utility teams are slow to attend, emergency services may have to control the fire for a prolonged period on their own.
3. Transformers beside shops, hotels and parked vehicles can spread fire beyond the asset, so that exposure should be included in risk assessments.

More lessons on emergency response and public communication, spacing, layout and fire spread, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

• Technical cause of the explosion
• Transformer model and age
• Cost of damage and supply interruption

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

Source

arynews.tv