Transformer explodes, 3 shops, 5 vehicles gutted
VASAI: Three roadside shops and five vehicles in Vasai were gutted in a fire caused by a transformer blowing up on Ambadi Road on Wednesday morning. There were no casualties or injuries.
The Vasai Virar Municipal Fire Brigade (VVMFB) took two hours to douse the fire that started at 10.30am.
“The transformer, belonging to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), blew up because of an oil leak that could have caused a short circuit, said Jayesh Chiplunkar,” a fire brigade official.
Mineral oil is often used in most electric transformers to insulate and cool the devices. Over time, the fins on a transformer can corrode and leak this oil into the environment.
The fire from the transformer spread to three commercial establishments and also gutted three cars and two bikes, Chiplunkar said. The fire brigade official also said firefighting was hampered because of rush hour traffic and several onlookers blocking the way, taking photos and videos on their smartphones.
Vishwajeet Bhosale, public relations officer for MSEDCL, said, “It’s being claimed that an oil leak triggered the fire but we have not confirmed this yet. We are awaiting reports from our officials.”
The MSEDCL official also said the transformer explosion caused a power cut to almost 12,000 consumers in Vasai (East) before supply was restored in the afternoon in several phases.
It’s being claimed an oil leak triggered the fire . We are awaiting reports from our officials. It caused power supply to be cut for almost 12,000 consumers. VISHWAJEET BHOSALE, MSEDCL spokesperson