BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th September 2025: A sudden fire at the 132 KV electrical substation in Gournagar, Kailashahar triggered panic this evening leaving two workers seriously injured and raising fresh concerns over the functioning of the Power department.
The incident took place around 7 PM when flammable oil-filled equipment used in transformer operations reportedly caught fire. Eyewitnesses said boiling oil splashed onto the workers, causing severe burns. The injured Shankar Debnath of Kaulikura and Debasish Das of Gobindapur were initially rushed to Unakoti District Hospital. However, treatment was delayed due to a power outage affecting the hospital’s generator, which was later activated with help from local residents.
Debasish Das was subsequently referred to Unakoti Nursing Care, while Shankar Debnath’s condition was described as critical. One of the victims has since been shifted to Silchar for advanced treatment, and the other to GB Hospital in Agartala.
Social Education and Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy, along with Waqf Board Chairman Mabswar Ali, visited both medical facilities this evening. “The government stands by the injured workers. If needed, further arrangements will be made for their treatment,” Roy told reporters.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath also said, confirming that the fire was caused by an explosion in an 11 KV breaker during routine operations. He said he had instructed officials to ensure immediate medical care and announced financial aid of Rs 15,000 for the worker sent to Silchar and Rs 10,000 for the one admitted in Agartala. “I am personally monitoring the situation and all efforts are being made to restore power supply,” Nath added.
The incident comes just days after Kailashahar endured a 23-hour blackout, with residents already voicing frustration over frequent outages attributed to maintenance.
