Two City of Tshwane workers are currently receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries after an arc flash occurred on a transformer where they were working.

Arc flashes occur when the electric current does not travel from one conductor to the other properly. This can result in fires, explosions and other deadly consequences for any individuals near the transformer when it occurs.

The incident is reported to have taken place near midday, September 30, at a transformer on Buitenkant Street in Soshanguve, near the giant stadium.

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Netcare 911 Spokesperson Shawn Herbst confirmed that paramedics were dispatched to the scene at 10:38 and upon arrival, located the two workers near the transformer where aid was administered.

“Both patients suffered serious burns to the body. Patient one suffered inhalation burns and patient two suffered burns to both arms as well as smoke inhalation,” said Herbst.

Basic Ambulance Assistants (BAA), Ambulance Emergency Assistants (AEA), Emergency Care Technicians (ECT), Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), and Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were all on-site.

“The exact cause of the flash is still under investigation. Though not confirmed, it is believed that one of the technicians had attempted to connect an instrument to the transformer box when the incident occurred,” continued Herbst.

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) arrived on the scene shortly after the emergency responders.

“We can confirm that the two patients were the only ones injured in the incident. Three fellow technicians witnessed what happened and were emotionally affected by what they witnessed.”

Netcare 911 paramedics accompanied by the BAA attended to patient one’s injuries, while Gauteng EMS responders tended to patient two.

Patient two was later transported to a nearby hospital by Gauteng EMS while HEMS transported patient one for treatment.

Both technicians are still undergoing treatment.

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