Pune: MSEDCL Clarifies – No Involvement in Solu Village Fire Incident
Alandi, 8th February 2024: Contrary to initial reports, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has clarified that it is not linked to the fire incident in Solu village (Khed taluka) near Alandi that occurred today around 4:30 pm. One person has died while seven others have sustained severe injuries in the incident.
The initial information suggested that a distribution transformer owned by MSEDCL exploded, causing several houses to catch fire. However, MSEDCL has vehemently denied any connection to the incident, attributing the disruption in power supply to the concerned transformer to unpaid electricity bills spanning the last six months.
Upon receiving reports of the fire in Solu village on Markal road near Alandi, Deputy Executive Engineer of Chakan Sub-division, Vijay Gargote, and Assistant Engineer Sandeep Kurhade promptly conducted an inspection of the power system in Solu. Contrary to expectations, their examination revealed no evidence of an explosion involving the 63 KVA generator at the site, and no signs of a fire were observed, MSEDCL stated in a press release.
Even after the fire was extinguished, the transformer was found to be in good condition. However, the impact of the incident caused the side wall to collapse, leading to a bending of the power poles connected to the transformer. It was revealed that only one customer had an electricity connection from this particular transformer. Still, due to overdue electricity bills, the power supply to this customer had been discontinued for the past six months, the release further stated.
According to fire brigade, a fire broke out at the premises of Specific Aloy Pvt. Ltd., which is closed for about four years. Locals reported that sparks flying from both the company and the transformer located beside it, within an area of approximately 100 meters, caused damage to haystacks, cattle fodder, and cattle. Additionally, four-wheelers, two-wheelers, and houses in the vicinity were also affected. The injured persons have been referred to Sassoon Hospital for further treatment.
The fire was brought under control with the immediate assistance of vehicles and personnel from fire brigade teams of PMRDA, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Alandi Municipal Council, and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
