Randfontein substation fire disrupts local electricity supply
Apr 2019Published 14 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
- Where
- Randfontein substation, South Africa
- What
- Explosion and fire; one transformer caught fire
- Injuries
- None reported
- Response
- Emergency services attended; supply restored after at least eight hours
- Outcome
- One transformer returned to service; power restored to most suburbs
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Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Eskom, Rand West City Local Municipality
What happened
An explosion and fire occurred at a substation in Randfontein on the morning of 6 April 2019. One transformer caught fire and burnt. The cause had not been determined. Power was restored to most affected suburbs after at least eight hours, with electricians from Rand West City Local Municipality and Eskom. One transformer was back in service, and further transformers were due to be installed later that week. Some residents were still without power.
Contributing factors
The cause had not been determined. The only reported fact is that a transformer caught fire and burnt.
Lessons learned
- A transformer fire at a distribution substation can cut supply to several suburbs for many hours.
- Do not treat a partial restoration as proof that the cause is known; here the cause was still unknown after most areas were reconnected.
- Spare transformers and joint utility crews may be needed before all customers can be restored.
More lessons on outages, backup supply and restoration, from every incident on the register.
Not yet known
- Cause of the transformer fire
- Transformer model and age
- Exact duration of the outage
- Cost of the damage and repairs
This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.
Source
Published 2026-09-14. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
