Hyderabad transformer explosion injures three, damages vehicles

Three people were injured on Saturday after a pole-mounted transformer of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) exploded on Khai Road in Hyderabad, ARY News reported, citing rescue officials.

The explosion took place within the limits of the City Police Station. Rescue officials said the transformer first caught fire and then exploded violently, throwing burning oil onto people nearby. The oil caused burn injuries to three people.

The fire spread from the transformer to a nearby dhaba hotel, and five vehicles and motorcycles parked in the vicinity were damaged by the flames. The explosion was powerful enough to damage multiple vehicles and set the eatery on fire. No information was available on how many people were inside the dhaba at the time.

Local residents called rescue teams to the scene. The injured were shifted to a hospital, where they were given medical treatment. Their condition was reported to be out of danger. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after a two-hour operation, according to the report.

HESCO teams were also informed of the incident but allegedly failed to reach the site in time, ARY News said. HESCO spokesperson Mohammad Sadiq Kubar said the company would take action against officials responsible for the negligence. "Action would be taken against the officials responsible for the negligence," Kubar said, adding that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate would initiate appropriate action.

No deaths were reported in the incident. Officials did not immediately release the names of the injured or the cause of the transformer fire. HESCO supplies electricity to Hyderabad and surrounding districts of Sindh.