Bengaluru: Five people were injured after low-intensity explosions occurred at two electric transformers in different parts of Bengaluru, raising fresh concerns over the safety of power infrastructure in public spaces.
The two incidents occurred at separate locations in the city, with the first explosion reported near Benniganahalli in east Bengaluru on October 6 and another near Bagalur Cross close to Yelahanka Old Town on Thursday.
The second incident, which was captured on the dashcam of a passing vehicle, was widely circulated on social media.
Rat blamed for second transformer blast
The second explosion was reported at around 9.50 am near Gate 3 of the Amazon India office at Bagalur Cross, close to Yelahanka Old Town.
According to preliminary observations cited by Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), a rat entered the transformer’s Ring Main Unit (RMU) and came into contact with a live wire.
The contact allegedly caused a short circuit, triggering the explosion.
A BESCOM official said the rat was found inside the RMU in a charred condition. However, the exact cause of the incident is yet to be conclusively established.
The official said a separate investigation by the Electrical Inspectorate would be conducted to determine what exactly led to the transformer blast.
Pedestrian injured in explosion
A person identified as Mohammed Afroz was injured in the second incident and is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
A video of the explosion showed Afroz walking along the footpath near the transformer when the equipment suddenly exploded.
The incident occurred in a busy urban area, close to a major office location, and the dramatic visuals quickly circulated on social media.
The explosion was described as low intensity, but the incident once again highlighted the risks posed by electrical infrastructure located close to pedestrian movement.
Four injured in first explosion
The first transformer explosion occurred near a Coca-Cola warehouse in Benniganahalli in east Bengaluru between 12.30 pm and 1 pm on October 6, according to the police.
Four passersby — Narayan, Azeem Pasha, Chethan and Lakshmi — were caught in the flames.
The injured individuals, aged between 20 and 50, are from different parts of Bengaluru and were taken to hospital for treatment.
A motorcycle parked near the site was also damaged in the incident, police said.
Ramamurthy Nagar police are investigating the first explosion.
Two incidents raise infrastructure safety concerns
The occurrence of two transformer explosions within a short period has renewed concerns over the safety of electrical installations located near roads and pedestrian pathways.
Transformers and associated electrical equipment are often situated in areas with significant public movement. Any malfunction, short circuit or equipment failure can potentially expose pedestrians and motorists to serious risks.
The second explosion was particularly concerning because it occurred as a pedestrian was walking past the transformer.
While BESCOM has cited the presence of a rat as the preliminary cause of the second incident, the Electrical Inspectorate’s investigation is expected to establish whether there were any other contributing factors.
History of concerns over civic safety
The incidents have also brought renewed attention to concerns over civic and infrastructure-related safety in Bengaluru.
The National Crime Records Bureau has previously recorded Bengaluru as a major city with a high number of deaths attributed to civic body negligence. Electrocution linked to unsafe electrical infrastructure and hazards involving footpaths have been among the concerns raised over the years.
Residents have repeatedly complained about dangling cables, exposed electrical equipment and power lines running close to pedestrian pathways.
BESCOM has previously attributed some electrical infrastructure problems, including snapped wires, to weather conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds. The power utility has also maintained that it conducts regular audits and undertakes maintenance of its infrastructure.
BESCOM’s transformer safety measures
BESCOM has said it has been taking measures to reduce the inconvenience and safety risks associated with transformers installed on public pathways.
According to the power utility, around 3,300 transformers have been converted, mostly from structures erected on transformers, into prefabricated single-steel pole structures.
The stated objective of these changes is to improve efficiency and reduce inconvenience to pedestrians.
However, the latest incidents have once again highlighted the need for regular inspection and maintenance of electrical installations, particularly those located near busy roads and footpaths.
Earlier incidents and court intervention
Bengaluru has witnessed incidents involving transformers and electrical infrastructure in the past.
In 2013, a 37-year-old man died after accidentally touching the fence of a transformer on Church Street.
The safety of transformers installed on footpaths has also been the subject of judicial intervention. In 2021, the Karnataka High Court directed BESCOM to prepare an action plan to replace or relocate transformers from footpaths to facilitate safe and easy movement of pedestrians.
The latest explosions have once again brought the issue into focus, particularly as one of the incidents directly affected a pedestrian.
Investigations underway
Five people were injured in the two incidents, while a motorcycle was damaged in the Benniganahalli explosion. The injured are undergoing treatment.
Authorities are investigating both incidents separately. In the Bagalur Cross case, the Electrical Inspectorate is expected to examine the transformer and determine the precise cause of the explosion.
Although BESCOM’s preliminary assessment points to a rat entering the RMU and causing a short circuit, the final findings of the investigation will establish the exact circumstances.
The incidents underline the importance of maintaining electrical infrastructure and ensuring that installations located near public spaces are adequately protected and regularly inspected.