Metro worker airlifted after electrical box explosion in Pretoria

A Tshwane metro worker had to be airlifted from a primary school in the east of Pretoria after an electrical box he had been working on exploded on Thursday, Rekord East reports.

The box is located on the sidewalk next to Constantia Park primary school.

Paramedics were called to the scene at around 15:00, according to Netcare911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst.

Herbst said the worker, a 57-year-old man, sustained serious injuries including severe burns to his upper body.

“Our paramedics arrived to find the man unconscious and in a critical condition,” he said.

“Eyewitnesses said he had been working on the nearby electrical box when a flash fire occurred.”

Paramedics administered advanced life support interventions.

“Due to the nature of his injuries, he had to be airlifted from the scene to a nearby hospital.”

“A second man, also a metro worker, sustained very minor injuries to his hand and was taken to hospital by ambulance for a check-up.”

A private security company, Brinant Security, helped keep entry and exit routes open to assist the emergency services.

Authorities were also on scene for further investigations.