Old transformer explodes in Koramangala, Bengaluru, with no casualties

What happened

At about 8.15am on a Tuesday, an old transformer near a milk booth at the National Games Village complex in Koramangala, Bengaluru, caught fire and exploded. The blast took place close to a park where many people walk in the mornings. The area around the transformer was damaged, but the source reports minimal damage and no casualties. Residents alerted the fire brigade and Bescom, and the fire was brought under control and extinguished.

Power in the area had gone off at 7am and was not restored an hour later. Bescom later replaced the transformer. A resident said the complex has around 10 to 12 old transformers that could be hazardous.

Contributing factors

Residents described the transformers in the area as old and fragile, and said the area experiences frequent power cuts. The source does not state a root cause for the failure.

Lessons learned

1. Operators should maintain an inventory of ageing distribution transformers and assess their condition, prioritising units near parks and public walkways.
2. Transformers showing deterioration should be refurbished or replaced before they fail.
3. Residents and emergency services should have clear, rapid routes to report fires at electrical equipment so that the fire can be contained quickly.

More lessons on emergency response and public communication, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, from every incident on the register.

Source

The Times of India (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)