A minor fire at New Horizon Public School in Airoli, Mumbai, on November 13, 2024, led to the evacuation of approximately 1,000 students from classes 6 to 10. The incident was triggered by a malfunctioning electrical transformer, which caused smoke and a power outage in the building. Fire safety officer Upendra Bhoir reported that the fire was quickly contained with a fire extinguisher. Following the incident, the school management reassured parents through a circular, stating that classes would be conducted online the next day due to ongoing power issues.
Incident Overview
The fire broke out around 9:50 AM when a transformer malfunctioned, leading to sparks and smoke in the meter room. According to eyewitness accounts, students were swiftly moved to the school’s playground for safety while emergency services responded. One student described the experience: “We stood there for nearly 15 minutes while the fire brigade and officials from the electricity department investigated.” The school staff attributed the short circuit to a crow interfering with the electrical cables. After thorough inspections by fire and electricity department officials, students were allowed back into their classrooms, although power remained out.
Background Context
This incident raises significant concerns regarding electrical safety in schools, particularly given that New Horizon Public School has its own independent power distribution transformer supplied by MSEDCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd). The school management is now planning to investigate the cause of the transformer failure with a private agency before restoring power. Parents expressed anxiety over the incident, prompting the school’s administration to communicate updates and reassure them about student safety measures.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in educational institutions. While swift action by school staff and emergency responders ensured no injuries occurred, it highlights a need for regular safety audits and maintenance checks on electrical systems within schools. As community members, we must advocate for enhanced safety standards to protect our children. How can we collectively ensure that such incidents do not recur in our schools?
