A massive fire broke out at an underground hydroelectric power station situated at Srisailam’s dam left bank in Telangana. According to news agency ANI, fire engines from Atmakur Fire Station, Kurnool have been deployed.
As many as 10 people have been rescued of which six are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Srisailam. Nine people are still feared trapped.
According to reports, a short circuit at the power station led to fire. The fire was followed by an explosion in unit 4 of the power station.
ANI reported that fire was reported at unit 1 around 10:30 pm on Thursday. It was reportedly followed by an explosion in unit 4 of the power station. At least 25 people were on duty at the time of fire.
“Ten people were able to come out. Plant’s Power supply was cut off. We are trying to get help of Singareni Coal Mine, as they might have expertise in such situation. Priority is to rescue the trapped,” Telangana Minister G Jagadeeshwar Reddy said.
Fire broke out at Left Bank Power House in Srisailam, in Telangana side, late last night. Fire engine from Atmakur Fire Station, Kurnool deployed. Ten people rescued, of which 6 are under treatment at a hospital in Srisailam. Nine people still feared trapped. More details awaited https://t.co/Y3uoIioR4b pic.twitter.com/p9WNoytpsF
— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2020
The dam is situated on river Krishna which divides Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has expressed shock over the incident. According to a statement released by the CMO, Rao is eliciting information on the incident on a regular basis. He also spoke to Minister Jagdeeshwar Reddy and Transco, Genco CMD D Prabhakar Rao who are at site and reviewed relief measures taking place there.
The power station has more than six power generators at its underground plant — each one carries out 150 MW capacity electrical power generators.
Telangana Cabinet Minister Jagadish Reddy, who visited the accident site, said it was an unfortunate incident as these kind of accidents in hydro power plants are very rare.
“There’s heavy smoke which is making rescue operations difficult. Even fire personnel have become unconscious while trying to rescue people inside. NDRF teams are also helping. Luckily, the drivers carrying firemen have masks- so that has saved them. We have asked help from Singareni Collieries workers since they work in underground conditions.”