MP Power Company Report: Faulty Pole Not Cause of Indore Fire That Killed 8
In a significant development following the tragic house fire in Indore that claimed eight lives, the Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited (MPPKVVCL) has prepared an internal report asserting that a faulty electric pole was not the cause of the devastating incident. The report, based on detailed technical analysis, aims to clarify the sequence of events that led to the fatal blaze.
Smart Meter Data Points to Internal Origin of Fire
According to Superintending Engineer Dilip Kumar Gathe, the initial investigation has conclusively confirmed that the fire did not originate from the external electric pole. "It is 100% confirmed that the fire broke out on the house's ground floor and then spread to the pole, not the other way round," Gathe stated emphatically. The department's findings are grounded in minute-to-minute data retrieved from a smart meter installed at the property, providing a precise timeline of electrical consumption patterns leading up to the tragedy.
Officials noted that while the house had a sanctioned load of 15 kW, actual consumption fluctuated between 2 kW and 9 kW in the hours before the fire. Data analysis reveals that the family typically charged their Electric Vehicle (EV) between 11 pm and 3 am, during which the load would spike to 9 kW. The discom is currently investigating whether the car was still plugged in when the fire started, as this could be a critical factor in understanding the ignition source.
Family Member Disputes Official Theory, Points to Viral Video Evidence
Saurabh Pugalia, who lost his father Manoj and wife Simran in the heartbreaking incident, has vehemently refuted the power department's theory. He insists that the car was not on charge at the time and maintains that the fire originated at the pole. "The fire started at the pole. Viral videos clearly show a short circuit happening there, with the current then travelling to the car parked beneath it," Pugalia claimed, highlighting the emotional and factual divide between the official report and the family's perspective.
Investigation Continues with Multiple Possibilities Under Scrutiny
Gathe emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, with authorities exploring all potential causes to establish the exact origin of the fire. "We are exploring all possibilities to establish the exact cause of how the fire started, including the point of whether the electric car's battery exploded due to overcharging," he explained. This comprehensive approach indicates that no single theory has been definitively proven, and multiple scenarios are being rigorously examined.
Furthermore, while initial reports had blamed 'electronic locks' for hindering escape, senior police officials later clarified that the house used multi-lever deadlocks. These locks require multiple key rotations and significant effort to align the levers, which may have made them nearly impossible to open quickly in a smoke-filled, panicked environment, potentially contributing to the high casualty count.
Forensic Analysis and Community Impact
As the forensic team (FSL) continues to analyse the charred remains of the vehicle and the household circuitry, the Indore community remains on edge, mourning a family that was lost in a matter of minutes. The ongoing forensic work is crucial for providing conclusive evidence that could either support or challenge the power company's report, bringing closure to the grieving relatives and ensuring accountability.
The tragedy has sparked broader discussions about electrical safety, EV charging protocols, and emergency preparedness in residential settings. With the investigation still active, authorities are urging patience as they piece together the complex puzzle of this devastating fire, hoping to prevent similar incidents in the future through improved safety measures and public awareness.
