At around 21:15 on Monday (23/2), one of the 132/33 kVa transformers exploded, leaving several northern suburbs without electricity. The blast resulted in a fire and caused significant disruption to the electricity supply network.

The full extent of the damage remained unclear by Tuesday morning. A preliminary investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the explosion and assess the extent of the damage, said Centlec’s acting spokesperson Tsheliso Leba.

Emergency services responded swiftly. The Mangaung fire brigade was dispatched to extinguish the blaze and secure the area. No injuries were reported.

Technical teams were immediately deployed to begin restoration work. While an estimated restoration time of 24 hours was initially communicated, many residents in the areas surrounding the Bayswater distribution centre remain without electricity.

Authorities have cautioned timelines could change depending on the outcome of the investigation and the severity of the damage.

Traffic officials were stationed at key intersections on Tuesday morning to manage traffic flow, as non-functioning traffic lights caused congestion across affected parts of the city.

Meanwhile, the DA urged residents to prepare for a worst-case scenario. The party said the explosion involved a major high-voltage transformer. Restoration following such damage can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days.

According to the DA, several factors will determine the duration of the outage:

• The extent of damage to the transformer and associated equipment.
• Whether a replacement unit is available locally, if required.
• The complexity of repairs and the necessary safety testing.
• Weather conditions and overall site safety.

Affected residents have been advised to take precautionary measures while the power remains out, including:

• keeping fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food;
• storing drinking water and using water sparingly;
• charging phones and essential devices when power becomes available;
• checking on elderly neighbours and vulnerable residents;
• using generators safely and ensuring proper ventilation;
• switching off appliances to prevent damage when electricity is restored.

Centlec has assured the public updates will be communicated as more information becomes available and restoration efforts continue.

Electricity to large parts of the north was only restored late Monday afternoon after it had been off for around 48 hours.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg