Transformer fire at Atholl substation cuts power in Sandton

What happened

A transformer caught fire at the Atholl substation in Sandton, Gauteng, on 17 July 2024. Gauteng Emergency Services received a call about a transformer fire at 13:00 and attended. The fire was reported at the corner of Katherine Street and Pretoria Avenue, and large amounts of smoke were visible from the site. Eskom confirmed that a transformer fire at the Atholl substation caused a power outage affecting Sandton and neighbouring suburbs, including Benmore Gardens, Dennehof, Morningside, Sandown, Simba, Strathavon and Wierda Valley.

A witness told the Sandton Chronicle that the substation allegedly belongs to Eskom; this is not confirmed in the report. Emergency officials asked motorists to use alternative routes and keep the area clear. Eskom technicians worked on restoring supply, and at the time of reporting the utility could not give an estimated time of restoration. Gauteng Emergency Services reported that no injuries were sustained and that the fire was under control.

Contributing factors

Not reported. The cause of the fire was not known at the time of reporting.

Lessons learned

1. Monitor transformer condition continuously, including temperature and dissolved gas analysis, so that developing faults are detected before they lead to fire.
2. Plan emergency access and traffic management around substations so that fire crews and the public can respond safely without delay.
3. Give customers regular restoration updates and alternative guidance during outages, even when an estimated restoration time is not yet available.

More lessons on detection and monitoring, fire suppression and firefighting, outages, backup supply and restoration, from every incident on the register.

Source

citizen.co.za