Transformer Blast in Noida's Busy Sector 18 Market Leaves Two Men with Severe Burns
A routine tea break turned into a nightmare for two men in Noida's bustling Sector 18 market on Friday afternoon. Vijay Kumar (23) of Sector 44 and Harsh (33) of Delhi's Ashok Nagar sustained severe burns following an explosion in a transformer unit they were standing next to near the multi-level parking lot.
Panic in a Busy Commercial Hub
The incident triggered widespread panic in one of Noida's busiest commercial areas, known for its heavy daily footfall and proximity to landmarks like the Radisson Blu hotel and DLF Mall of India. The market is lined with numerous commercial complexes and retail stores, making the sudden explosion particularly alarming for shoppers and workers alike.
Sequence of Events: From Tea Break to Tragedy
According to police reports, around 4 PM, the two victims—both employees at a fashion retail store in DLF Mall—had stepped out for tea near the parking lot when the transformer unit next to them exploded. Burning oil that spilled from the transformer following the blast fell directly on the two men standing nearby, leaving them severely scalded.
Eyewitness Jatin, who was nearby at the time, described the terrifying moments: "There was a sudden explosion, and two of them were set ablaze. One collapsed immediately, while the other ripped off his burning shirt and ran."
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Bystanders immediately attempted to help the victims before emergency services arrived. "Some tried to extinguish the flames by pouring water on the man who had collapsed on the road. Later, someone brought a fire extinguisher and put out the flames," Jatin added.
The men were initially rushed to Kailash Hospital in an auto-rickshaw before being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital for advanced treatment. Medical authorities confirmed both victims suffered approximately 50% burns and remain in critical condition.
Official Investigation and Conflicting Accounts
Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Choubey stated that when fire services reached the spot, they found the transformer—located at an elevated level—was not on fire, but two men standing underneath had been burnt by the oil spill. The transformer was subsequently cooled to prevent further danger.
However, officials from the Noida power department offered a different account after inspecting the equipment. Chief Engineer Sanjay Kumar Jain clarified that the incident involved a CTPT (current transformer and potential transformer) unit, not a conventional transformer. This metering device is mounted on a double pole to supply power to the parking complex.
"There was a spark in the CTPT unit that led to a minor oil drip," Jain explained. "This is a small metering unit, not a transformer. The spark caused some oil to leak, but there was no explosion."
Understanding CTPT Units and Their Function
CTPT units are integrated metering devices used on high-voltage lines, typically between 11kV and 33kV. They serve the crucial function of measuring and regulating electricity by reducing high current and voltage levels to standard, measurable limits for billing purposes and system protection.
Superintending Engineer Vivek Kumar Patel confirmed that the specific unit in Sector 18 was being used solely to monitor the power supply to the multi-level parking facility.
Safety Protocols and Compensation Procedures
Jain noted that the power department had not received any official report of critical injuries from the incident. He elaborated on standard procedures: "In cases involving serious injuries, the matter is referred to the discom's electrical safety department, which conducts a thorough inquiry and determines appropriate compensation."
No formal police complaint has been filed regarding the incident so far.
Market Association Raises Maintenance Concerns
Meanwhile, Susheel Kumar Jain, President of the Sector 18 Market Association, has raised serious concerns about the maintenance of electrical equipment in the area. His allegations point to potential systemic issues with electrical infrastructure maintenance that may have contributed to the incident.
The incident has highlighted significant safety concerns in one of Noida's most frequented commercial districts, raising questions about electrical infrastructure maintenance and emergency response protocols in busy urban areas.
