Fire at the thermal power plant in Thoothukudi caused temporary closure of units I, II and III on March 16, 2025. Photo: Special arrangement
A fire broke out at the Tuticorin Thermal Power Station (TTPS), causing the units I, II and III to temporarily shut down, with a capacity of 210 MW per unit.
The fire broke out in the cable gallery of the power system on Saturday night (March 15, 2025) and eventually spread to IIINIT. Officials immediately reminded the fire and rescue service teams that began the fire operation.
Speech HinduJ. Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of the Power Generation and Distribution Company of Tamil Nadu, confirmed the temporary closure of the three units of the power plant. He added that despite the challenges posed by the thick smoke from burning cables, rescue operations are still developing steadily.
District collector K. Ellambahavath inspected the Thoothukudi thermal power plant on March 16, 2025. Photo: Special arrangement
After inspecting the site on Sunday (March 16), Thoothukudi area collector K. Elambahavath said about 50 fire safety personnel were involved in the operation and 10 water tenders from Thoothukudi and neighboring areas were deployed to control the fire. He noted that units I and II were affected by the fire and Unit III was stopped as a preventive measure.
He mentioned that two firefighters who suffocated due to inhalation of smoke were taken to Thoothukudi Government Medical College and Hospital, who reportedly had stable conditions. In addition, as a preventive measure, two ambulances were stationed at the site.
In order to completely put out the fire, certain areas of the power station must be opened. Engineers at the power station and firefighters are completing the task, and officials hope to completely put out the fire at the end of the day.
publishing – March 16, 2025 at 03:20 pm IST
