Budgam- A powerful transformer explosion at the Budgam Receiving Station on Friday afternoon sent shockwaves across the nearby residential area, injuring two employees of the Power Development Department (PDD) and triggering panic among locals.
The injured have been identified as Junior Engineer Hitesh and Technician Manzoor Ahmad Dar, a resident of Khanpora Budgam. Both were critically injured during a maintenance operation at the grid station when the transformer exploded. They were initially rushed to District Hospital Budgam, from where they were referred to Srinagar for specialized treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion that was heard across several neighbourhoods, followed by thick plumes of smoke rising from the grid station.
“We were inside the kitchen when suddenly a loud explosion happened. Layers of smoke rose in the air — we could see it from the window,” recalled Hameeda Bano, a resident of Karipora Budgam, visibly shaken by the incident. “We rushed to the spot as one of our family members works at the grid station. We thought they are all dead,” she said.
Another local eyewitness, who was among the first to reach the site, said the blast created a terrifying scene. “At first, we feared something worse. We thought a major blast had occurred. People came out of their homes in panic, not knowing what had just happened,” he said.
The transformer blast is believed to have occurred during routine maintenance work, although authorities have initiated an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Meanwhile, the local administration has assured that power supply to the region is restored.
The incident has raised concerns over safety measures and risk preparedness at crucial power infrastructure facilities across the Valley, particularly during peak summer months when grid load increases.
As the investigation continues, the condition of the two injured employees remains under close medical observation in Srinagar.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
|
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
|
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |