Transformer fire injures three workers in Gyeongju, South Korea
Nov 2026Published 7 Nov 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
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Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Korea Electric Power
What happened
At about 10:03 on 7 November 2026, a fire broke out at a roadside transformer near the Terminal Intersection in Sajeong-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. A Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) official reported that the transformer had exploded. Three workers were injured and taken to hospital. According to the report, KEPCO's internal fire response extinguished the fire in about ten minutes. The Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters was dispatched after the report. Police are questioning KEPCO officials and others to establish the cause.
Contributing factors
Not yet established. Fire authorities suspect the transformer exploded while workers were replacing it. The police investigation is ongoing.
Lessons learned
- Isolate, verify de-energisation and earth a transformer fully before any disconnection or replacement work begins.
- Check for residual stored energy and pressure in oil-filled equipment before opening or removing connections.
- Keep a trained internal fire response available at roadside sites and report incidents to the fire service promptly.
More lessons on electrical protection and isolation, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.
Source
Published 2026-11-07. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
