Nagpur: Nearly 8,000 electricity consumers across several parts of Nagpur faced a major power outage on Thursday afternoon after a private JCB machine allegedly damaged a high-tension underground cable near Taj Bagh Road, triggering a flashover at the 33/11 KV Sutgirni substation.

According to information, the incident occurred around 3 pm near Jafri Hospital on Taj Bagh Road during excavation work being carried out by a private contractor. Due to alleged negligence by the JCB operator, the 11 KV Raghuji Nagar feeder underground high-tension cable originating from the Sutgirni substation was completely severed.

The damage caused a massive electrical flashover in the 11 KV incomer at the 33/11 KV Sutgirni substation, resulting in an immediate technical failure and disruption of power supply in the area.

Following the incident, electricity supply remained completely suspended for nearly one hour in several localities, including Nandanvan, Umred Road, Sharda Chowk, Subhedar, NIT Complex, Ganesh Nagar, Ishwar Nagar and Bhande Plot. The sudden afternoon blackout caused significant inconvenience to residents and commercial establishments.

After receiving information about the fault, technical teams of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) rushed to the spot and launched emergency restoration work on a war footing. Following nearly an hour of intensive efforts, power supply was restored in all affected areas.

Meanwhile, residents have demanded strict action against unauthorized and negligent excavation activities that frequently pose risks to critical underground infrastructure and public utilities.