Four people were injured after a transformer exploded in New Doornfontein, near the Johannesburg CBD, on Monday morning.
The blast caused significant structural damage, collapsing the room that housed the transformer as well as an adjoining boundary wall.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) responded to the scene shortly after 06:15. EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo confirmed that all residents in the surrounding area have been accounted for and that those injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
“EMS teams responded to a transformer incident in New Doornfontein at 6h15 this morning. The incident resulted in three injuries. The injured people have since been transported to nearby hospitals by GPG. The transformer-related matter has been handed over to City Power. EMS remains on scene conducting further investigations and assessments. The cause of the incident has not yet been determined,” Khumalo said.
City Power has taken over the technical investigation, while emergency teams continue to assess the site to ensure there are no further risks. Authorities have urged residents to avoid the affected area as a precaution.
What began as a routine morning quickly turned disruptive, with the explosion rattling the neighbourhood and leaving safety crews to secure the scene.