Transformer explosion injures nine at Matla power station
Dec 2024Published 1 Oct 2026
Companies named in this entry: Eskom
What happened
A transformer explosion occurred at Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga, South Africa, on the afternoon of 12 December 2024, affecting Unit 6. Unit 5 was taken offline as a precautionary measure. Initial reports indicate nine employees were injured, with one in critical condition. Eskom activated all emergency protocols and technical teams assessed the situation on site. The suspension of loadshedding remained unchanged.
Lessons learned
- Activate emergency protocols immediately after any explosion or major equipment failure.
- Take adjacent units offline promptly when safety risks are identified.
- Ensure on-site technical assessment continues through the night following an incident.
Source
Published 2026-10-01. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.