Transformer Spark Triggers Pre-Dawn Blaze in Satna, Two Parked Cars Reduced to Ashes

Satna: A major fire incident jolted residents of Satna’s busy Hanuman Chowk area in the early hours of Sunday, when sparks from an electricity transformer triggered a sudden explosion, engulfing two parked cars in flames while the neighborhood slept.

The incident occurred around 3 a.m. within the Kotwali police station limits. According to local residents, a short circuit in a power transformer installed in a parking area led to a loud blast, followed by showers of sparks and flames. Within minutes, the fire spread to two vehicles parked directly beneath the transformer—an Ertiga and an Alto—setting them ablaze.

The intensity of the flames was such that both cars were completely gutted before anyone could react. By the time nearby residents woke up and alerted the fire department, the vehicles were already burning fiercely.

Municipal fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and managed to bring the fire under control after considerable effort, preventing it from spreading to nearby shops and buildings. However, both cars were reduced to twisted metal frames, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly ₹20 lakh to the vehicle owners.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the incident took place late at night when no pedestrians were present in the area.

Following the fire, electricity supply in the locality was disrupted. On Sunday morning, officials from the power distribution company arrived at the site and began maintenance work on the damaged transformer and associated power lines. Police have recorded the incident and are examining the circumstances surrounding the short circuit.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety and maintenance of electrical infrastructure in densely populated urban areas, particularly in busy commercial zones like Hanuman Chowk.