South Africa: Transformer explosion leaves nine injured at power station

MPUMALANGA (South Africa), Dec 14 (NNN-SANEWS) — Nine people have been injured in an explosion at Eskom’s Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga.

At least one of the injured is in a critical condition, said the power utility in a statement.

“[At] approximately 5pm Thursday, a transformer explosion occurred at Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga, affecting Unit 6. As a precautionary measure, Unit 5 was taken offline to ensure the safety of all employees and contractors on-site.

“Our technical teams are on-site assessing the situation and will continue to do so throughout the evening and into [Friday]. The suspension of load shedding remains unchanged. Eskom will issue regular update reports,” the power utility said.

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, said: “Our first thoughts are with those who have been injured and we are ensuring they get the medical attention they need. All emergency protocols have been activated.”

— NNN-SANEWS