At around 3 a.m. on Monday, a fire broke out in an electricity transformer in Duda Colony, Narpat Khera, under the Para police station area of Lucknow, triggering panic among local residents. People rushed out of their homes after hearing a loud explosion-like sound and saw flames and sparks erupting from the transformer.
The fire intensified rapidly, forcing residents to maintain a safe distance because of the intense heat. Shortly afterwards, an electricity wire connected to the transformer snapped and fell onto a parked WagonR car. The vehicle caught fire immediately and was completely engulfed within minutes. According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread so quickly that there was no opportunity to move the car. Residents attempted to douse the flames with water, but the live transformer and the escalating fire prevented anyone from approaching safely.
Local residents immediately informed the electricity department and the fire department. By the time emergency services were alerted, the flames had already engulfed the vehicle. It is reported that the WagonR was completely destroyed within about 10 minutes. The engine, body, tyres and items kept inside the vehicle were completely damaged, leaving only its metal frame.
The flames also reached a nearby shop, damaging goods kept both inside and outside the premises. Residents worked together to prevent the fire from spreading further inside the shop, although some merchandise had already been destroyed, resulting in financial losses for the shopkeeper. The fire was brought under control in time, preventing it from spreading to other nearby shops and residential buildings.
After receiving information about the incident, the fire department reached the spot and began firefighting operations after the electricity supply was disconnected. Following sustained efforts, firefighters brought the blaze in the transformer and the car under control. Had the fire continued to spread, other parked vehicles and nearby residential buildings could also have been affected.
Officials from the electricity department also reached the site and began a technical inspection of the transformer. Preliminary assessment suggests that the fire may have been caused by a technical fault or a short circuit in the transformer. However, the actual cause will be determined only after a detailed investigation. The department has started inspecting the damaged transformer and power line to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Local residents said several transformers in the area have become old and are operating under loads exceeding their capacity. They said electricity demand increases during the summer season, placing additional pressure on transformers. Residents also stated that complaints regarding sparking and overloading had been made to the electricity department on several occasions, but necessary repairs were not carried out in time. They said regular inspections and maintenance could help prevent such incidents.
Residents of the colony were alarmed during the incident as the sudden fire and explosion-like sounds disrupted the night. Several families moved to safer locations with their children and elderly members, fearing a major explosion in the transformer. Normalcy returned only after the fire was extinguished and the electricity supply was completely shut down.
The incident also disrupted electricity supply in the area. As a safety measure, the electricity department shut down the feeder supplying the affected area, resulting in a temporary power outage in several nearby localities. Officials said electricity supply would be restored only after damaged equipment was replaced and repair work on the line was completed. The department appealed to the public to stay away from fallen power lines and report them immediately.
Local residents have urged the administration and the electricity department to conduct a technical audit of old transformers installed in the colony. They said several transformers have been in service for years and remain vulnerable to faults because of continuously increasing electricity load. Residents also demanded regular maintenance, periodic inspections and installation of new transformers wherever required to prevent similar incidents.
No casualties have been reported in the incident so far. However, one car was completely destroyed and a nearby shop sustained damage. The fire department, electricity department and local administration are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the transformer fire and identify any additional safety measures required to prevent similar occurrences. Residents said they expect the investigation to identify responsibility and lead to measures aimed at improving the safety of the electricity infrastructure.
