Two mini substations in Sunnyridge, Newcastle, experienced explosions on Monday morning, 15 May 2023, shortly after the conclusion of loadshedding in Zone 5.
The incidents resulted in parts of Sunnyridge being plunged back into darkness.
Eyewitnesses reported that the first explosion occurred at a mini substation located on Amethyst Drive, followed closely by another explosion at the mini substation on Chromite Avenue.
A resident residing in Amethyst Drive shared her account, stating, “I heard a loud explosion and immediately went outside to investigate. Initially, I thought it was a car collision, given the intensity of the blast.” However, upon seeing the cloud of smoke emanating from the mini substation, she realised the source of the explosion.
Within minutes of the first explosion, the mini substation on Chromite Avenue also blew, exacerbating the power outage in the area.
A resident on the affected street expressed frustration, saying, “The electricity had just been restored when the substation blew. Now we are back in darkness.”
Acknowledging the situation, Cllr Bertie Meiring of Newcastle Municipality assured the public that the municipality was aware of the issue and actively working towards restoring electricity in the surrounding Zone 5 areas. However, no specific timeline was provided for the repair work.
Speculation arose regarding the cause of the explosions, with a source suggesting that a power surge could be responsible for the incidents.
As the Newcastle Municipality addresses the situation. feel free to share your thoughts on the above in the comment section below.
