Container crash sparks power outage

Naya Mohalla Bazaar and surroundings in Rawalpindi witnessed a power outage for several hours in the early hours of Sunday after a container loaded with goods collided with a high-voltage transformer, witnesses said.

The incident took place around 1.15am, leaving the residents of the densely populated commercial area of the city in darkness. The transformer broke and stuck in the container, triggering a loud explosion and flames. Electricity in the entire area was cut off due to the electrical flames. However, no damage occurred.

With the explosion, the container driver jumped out of the vehicle. The explosion of the transformer caused panic in the area. The transformer remained stuck till 3pmas officials of the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) failed to arrange a crane in time. Later, a crane was brought, and the transformer was opened and removed from the container. Power was finally restored after 3pm.

Naya Mohalla is a residential area surrounded by major wholesale trade centres such as Moti Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar, Imperial Market, Bohar Bazaar and Iqbal Road. Government Girls High School is also close to the incident's location.

It is learned that IESCO's electricity wires are rotten and jumbled and transformers are fixed at a low height of 10 to 12 feet.

Locals Farast Ali, Iftikhar Uddin and Nasir Ali have demanded the removal of all rotten hanging electricity wires and the installation of all transformers at a height of 15 feet above from ground so that trucks and vehicles couldn't hit them.

Large warehouses should be removed from rental houses in Naya Mohalla, they further demanded and warned of a protest in front of the Marrir Chowk IESCO office.