High voltage transformer explodes and catches fire in Winnersh
EIR-0913On the afternoon of 8 January 2017, a high voltage transformer at an elevated substation in Arbor Lane, Winnersh, Berkshire, exploded and caught fire. A member of the public alerted emergency services after the electrical box exploded. Two fire crews from Wokingham and Wokingham Road fire stations attended the scene at around 3.10pm and remained for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to extinguish the fire and make the area safe. Arbor Lane was closed to traffic for around an hour while the incident was dealt with. The substation supplied electricity to homes in the surrounding area. The cause of the explosion was not known at the time and the network operator, SSE, was notified and began investigating.
The cause of the explosion had not been determined at the time of reporting.
- Elevated substations and transformers should be inspected regularly to detect early signs of insulation or component degradation that could lead to explosive failure.
- Rapid coordination between network operators and emergency services helps contain risk to the public and minimise disruption from equipment fires.
- Temporary road closures around failed electrical infrastructure protect the public while equipment is made safe and investigated.
Published 2026-09-16. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.