GAUTENG. – Multiple parts of Tshwane were affected this morning by a power cut following an explosion at the Watloo substation. The explosion caused the 132 kV Njala import substation to trip (trip), after which supply to various primary substations was disrupted. Firefighters from the Mamelodi and Silverton fire stations were called to the scene, where they are working to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas.
Nana Radebe-Kgiba, spokesperson for the City of Tshwane, said technicians from the electricity and energy department are also on scene and working with emergency services to assess and manage the electrical infrastructure affected by the fire. The extent of the damage and cause of the fire have not yet been established. A full investigation will only take place after the firefighting operation is completed and it is safe for technical personnel to inspect the infrastructure.
The City is appealing to members of the public to stay away from the area and not to interfere with the work of emergency services. Fires involving electrical infrastructure can pose serious risks and the public is asked not to approach, inspect or attempt to intervene at the substation.
Customers served by the Watloo, Wingate, Heatherley, Mooikloof, Wapadrand, Scientia, Highlands, Willows, Lynnwood, Villieria, Koedoespoort, Pumulani and Pyramid substations are currently affected. Mamelodi one, two and three, as well as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), are also affected. The precise areas experiencing the power cut are still being confirmed.
Tshwane's emergency services will remain on scene until the situation is under control and the impact of the fire can be assessed. Further information will be released as soon as more details become available.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
