A high-end SUV was reduced to ashes after a fire broke out in an electrical transformer in the busy MP Nagar Zone-2 area on Sunday morning. The incident, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, triggered panic among residents and visitors in the commercial hub. The incident occurred at around 10:35 am when a transformer suddenly exploded with a loud blast. According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread with alarming speed, engulfing a Toyota Fortuner parked nearby for repairs. Thick smoke from the blaze entered adjacent buildings, forcing people to evacuate in distress. Local residents initially attempted to douse the flames, but the intensity of the fire made it impossible to approach. The fire control room was alerted.

 

Fire Officer Saurabh Patel stated that on receiving the information, two fire tenders from Pul Bogda and Mata Mandir stations were dispatched to the spot. It took the firefighting teams approximately 20 to 30 minutes of rigorous effort to bring the situation under control. The sudden blaze caused fear among staff and guests at nearby hotels, lodges and a gym. Many individuals who were working out or staying in the vicinity rushed out of the buildings as the fire intensified. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. The car had been brought to a local mechanic for repairs and was parked close to the transformer. We have recorded the shopkeeper’s statement and are scanning CCTV footage from the area to ascertain the exact sequence of events that led to the fire,” said Fire Officer Saurabh Patel.