Transformer up in flames

Many questions are still being asked on how a transformer could set a light.

On Friday night, October 7 emergency services which included the eMalahleni Fire Department, Witbank Community Policing Forum (CPF) response team, SAPS and an ambulance service responded to the call.

A transformer at Ferrometals set alight; within minutes after the arrival of emergency services the flames were extinguished.

An investigation is being done on the cause of the transformer that set alight.
On October 7 at approximately 20:30, one of the transformers, number four 132/33kV in the Eskom Churchill Substation supplying Ferrometals in eMalahleni, caught fire.

A transformer at Ferrometals set alight

Upon preliminary investigations, it was found that both the high voltage and medium voltage breakers on transformer number four had tripped. The eMalahleni Fire Brigade responded to the call from the Eskom employee who was dispatched to site. Fortunately no injuries were reported in this incident. There was however major equipment damage that had to be repaired.

Eskom teams were working around the clock and the transformer was energised on
Saturday morning, October 15. Eskom will continue with its investigations to determine the root cause in an effort to prevent similar incidents in future.

Customers are advised to treat all electricity lines and wires as live during any outage.

Eskom customers are further urged to report electrical faults at 08600 37566 (24hrs) or text their query and account number / meter number to 35328.

ALSO READ:
Sub station up in flames
Shocking illegal connections in Hlalanikahle