Crow caused 5-hr power outage in parts of Salcete, Kushavati district on 4 November

A crow flew into a high-tension line at the Xeldem substation on 4 November caused a five-hour power outage affected several parts of Salcete and entire Kushavati district. The bird came into contact with a busbar, triggered a flashover that tripping three transformers, disrupting power to Margao, Fatorda, parts of Sanguem and Quepem.

Power officials initially could not find the cause of the simultaneous tripping. They later examined CCTV footage from the substation and found the crow moments before the outage. Superintending engineer Rajiv Samant confirmed the crow triggered the tripping of all three transformers.

Officials could not provide an alternate supply from Verna subst because a 33kV cable near a petrol pump had been damaged by a national highway contractor. The cable was part of the standby network and not in service, so officials could not ascertain when the damage occurred. Samant said the damaged cable will be repaired on 5 November. Power to Sanguem and Quepem was restored earlier in the day, supply to Margao, Fatorda and other areas was restored after noon.

Update, 5 November 2026: A report from Urban Acres confirms the same facts of the event and the same statement by Rajiv Samant. It adds a more descriptive sentence about the standby cable's condition but no new fact.