Sparks from transformer startle voters at polling station in Chennai

CHENNAI: A transformer outside Chellammal Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School,

Nanganallur

, let out a series of sparks and explosions as polling progressed on Thursday, startling

voters

who were standing in a queue to cast their votes.

It also led to senior voters resting in a shaded area near the electric lines to be cordoned off.

The flareup happened twice within a duration of half an hour from a blown fuse caused by low hanging cables, said Pushpavalli, a TNEB assistant engineer in Nanganallur.

“Although thorough inspection was conducted on Wednesday, strong winds seem to have caused the explosions,” she said.

TNEB officials immediately sent men to fix the problem and the power on the premises was restored shortly.

“This has been a common issue during the summer months,” said a resident.