Fire at Bhopal electricity pole sparks alarm in VVIP zone
On Monday morning, a fire erupted at an electricity pole situated on Link Road 1 in Bhopal, causing a brief alarm in the high-security VVIP area.
According to Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) fire brigade personnel at the scene, the incident occurred at around 11 am, with a short circuit suspected as the cause. Visible smoke from the pole caught the attention of passersby and residents.
A fire engine from Pul Bogda fire station responded swiftly and contained the flames quickly. No one was hurt in the incident.
At the site, power discom engineer Rishi Tiwari confirmed that the distribution box at the base had ignited. The fire brigade used water to extinguish the electrical fire, despite this being typically inadvisable due to electrocution risks and potential additional short circuits.
Standard practice recommends foam, dry chemical powder (such as ABC or CO₂ extinguishers) or specialised fire suppression agents for electrical fires, as these substances do not conduct electricity.
The fire occurred near "Mama Ka Ghar," the residence of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and present Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, raising security concerns in this politically significant location.
The fire was quickly controlled, but its effects caused prolonged disruption. Power distribution company staff remained on-site, with repairs anticipated to continue until evening. Link Road 1 experienced temporary power cuts, and questions about electrical infrastructure safety have emerged again.
This occurrence comes at a time when local authorities are dealing with seasonal challenges including monsoon preparation and urban infrastructure pressures.
Authorities have committed to undertaking a technical evaluation of the pole and surrounding network to avert such incidents in the future.
According to Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) fire brigade personnel at the scene, the incident occurred at around 11 am, with a short circuit suspected as the cause. Visible smoke from the pole caught the attention of passersby and residents.
A fire engine from Pul Bogda fire station responded swiftly and contained the flames quickly. No one was hurt in the incident.
At the site, power discom engineer Rishi Tiwari confirmed that the distribution box at the base had ignited. The fire brigade used water to extinguish the electrical fire, despite this being typically inadvisable due to electrocution risks and potential additional short circuits.
Standard practice recommends foam, dry chemical powder (such as ABC or CO₂ extinguishers) or specialised fire suppression agents for electrical fires, as these substances do not conduct electricity.
The fire occurred near "Mama Ka Ghar," the residence of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and present Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, raising security concerns in this politically significant location.
The fire was quickly controlled, but its effects caused prolonged disruption. Power distribution company staff remained on-site, with repairs anticipated to continue until evening. Link Road 1 experienced temporary power cuts, and questions about electrical infrastructure safety have emerged again.
This occurrence comes at a time when local authorities are dealing with seasonal challenges including monsoon preparation and urban infrastructure pressures.
Authorities have committed to undertaking a technical evaluation of the pole and surrounding network to avert such incidents in the future.
Next Story