Yadgir (Karnataka), Apr 9 (UNI) Panic gripped residents of Jallibenchi village in Surapura taluk of Karnataka’s Yadgir district after a massive fire broke out following a short circuit caused by high-tension electric wires clashing during a storm on Tuesday evening.
According to police, strong gusts of wind accompanied by rain led to the overhead power lines colliding, sparking a fire that rapidly spread through the settlement. The incident, which occurred under the jurisdiction of Surapura police station, has left over 100 houses damaged.
Two villagers, identified as Rayappa Pasaladi and Raja Ahmed, sustained injuries during the electrical surge. Family members rushed them to a nearby hospital, and their condition is reported to be stable.
Local residents said the blaze started after old transmission lines and an aged transformer near the Mallikarjuna temple malfunctioned. Several electrical poles snapped, and wires were scattered across the village, setting off multiple fires.
Televisions, refrigerators, ceiling fans, and other electrical appliances were reportedly destroyed in several households. "The infrastructure is more than four decades old. Every time there’s a storm, we live in fear," said one resident.
Villagers have urged Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company (GESCOM) to immediately upgrade the electric lines in the region to avoid recurrence of such disasters.
A detailed investigation into the incident is underway, and authorities have assured support to the affected families.
UNI BDN RN