COIMBATORE: An out-of-control pickup vehicle crashed into a transformer on a street in Kavundampalayam around 2 pm, bending the structure and cutting power to parts of the locality for six hours here on Friday.
Electricity Board (TNEB) workers restored supply around 8 pm, and the damaged transformer put passersby at serious risk until officials reached the spot.
Officials and police arrived within 20 minutes of the crash, Kavitha, Jr Assistant, TNEB, told The Public Brief.
Police blocked the entire street, which forced commuters onto alternative routes.
This diversion caused traffic jams on the neighbouring road and on the main road, Pravin, a resident, said.
About 20 TNEB workers repaired the damaged transformer and restored the connection.
“The transformer costs Rs 35,000, and the pickup driver paid the full amount,” Kavitha said.
The driver left the scene after the crash but returned later, resident Yuvraj said. He did not say what the driver told officials.
A tea shop stands next to the transformer, and its owner said the accident cost him a full day’s earnings, “I had to close the shop from 2 pm for the whole day,” he said.
Residents also alleged poor maintenance and negligence by TNEB officials.
“The transformer was very old, and nobody had come to inspect it, but local people long considered the equipment a weak point on the street,” Pravin, a resident, said.
A second incident, a few days earlier, adds to their concern.
A wire snapped in the same street and fell onto the road, Yuvraj said.
“Nobody was hurt, and residents did not treat it as a major problem at the time, but it was risky all the time,” he added.
The transformer near the road is carrying a high-voltage power supply.
Any shock may damage the transformer casing, while a broken or exposed live wire may be fatal for pedestrians, two wheeler drivers and children.
Transformers are located in close proximity to roads in many areas of India, and thus, any out-of-control vehicle may collide with them.
The regular inspection of aged transformers and proper location or fencing can reduce the hazard.
Nobody was injured in this case, and residents believed that it was a matter of luck, since this street is often crowded with pedestrians and vehicles.
The residents have requested the electricity board to conduct inspections of the aged transformers and overhead cables in Kavundampalayam on a regular basis.
They believe regular inspections can detect any defects in the aged equipment before it gets damaged.
Also, advised everybody not to get too close to any damaged transformer or exposed live wire and contact TNEB or police immediately.
