Transformer blasts at UPCL plant

A massive blast that took place at a transformer in coal-based Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) thermal power project during wee hours left residents apprehensive.

According to a source, the blast took place around 9.20 am due to a technical error in the second unit of the thermal power plant. The 600-megawatt power generating unit was completely shut down and rendered dysfunctional. However, the first unit is functioning as usual, sources in UPCL said.

No causalities were reported. The company's technical team is evaluating the damages and the total loss incurred due to the blast. The sources described the loss as huge.

Due to heavy rain, the two units in UPCL were shut down from June to August. The generation of power resumed when rain stopped in September.