Transformer blast fire kills handicap cobbler
Pune, May 7, 2016 : A handicap cobbler was charred to death in a fire triggered by blast in electric transformer near Big Bazar mall in Chinchwad on the old Mumbai-Pune highway on Saturday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Popat Bansode, a resident of Indiranagar.
According to police and fire brigade officials, the incident took place around 5.30 pm. The electric transformer is located next to the office of the deputy commissioner of police (Zone III) ahead of Big Bazaar.
The blast in the transformer caused fire in nearby car and autorickshaw. Bansode used to sit near the pole and could not escape due to his disability. The flames were so high that nobody dared to pull him away.
The incident led to huge traffic jam on the highway which also delayed arrival of the fire brigade vehicles.
Later Bansode was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to burn injuries.
Police are investigating if there was negligence on part of electricity department officials.
