Transformer explosion and fire cause outage in Biswanath Chariali, Assam

What happened

A transformer at the Biswanath Chariali power sub-division in Assam exploded on 27 July 2024, according to a report published the same day. The explosion was accompanied by loud noises and set off a major fire. The blast destroyed the sub-division's control room and caused extensive damage. Several fire tender vehicles were dispatched to the scene, and firefighters brought the flames under control. The incident caused a significant power outage across the wider Biswanath Chariali area. At the time of reporting, authorities were working to restore electricity and assessing the full extent of the damage. Further updates were promised but are not included in the source.

Contributing factors

The source does not report the cause of the transformer explosion.

Lessons learned

1. Assess substation control rooms for blast and fire exposure from nearby transformers, and maintain adequate separation distances between them.
2. Plan for the loss of a control room, including backup communications and restoration procedures to bring supply back across the wider network.
3. Give fire crews pre-incident plans for substations, covering isolation points, access routes and water supply for transformer fires.

More lessons on spacing, layout and fire spread, worker safety and safe systems of work, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Source

indiatodayne.in