Large parts of Pretoria without power after electricity pylons collapse

Large parts of Pretoria and Centurion were left without power on Monday morning after electricity pylons collapsed on the N4 highway between Simon Vermooten Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive.

Initial reports were that two electricity pylons collapsed across the N4 highway on Sunday evening resulting in a multi-vehicle accident.

Heavy rain and strong winds were reportedly the cause of the pylons collapsing.

Paramedics services Pro Med EMS responded to the accident on Sunday evening.

In a statement, Pro Med said upon arrival paramedics found that multiple structures (pylons) holding high-voltage cables running across the highway collapsed.

“This led to cables hanging extremely low over the highway which in turn caused multiple vehicles to collide,” the statement read.

“The exact cause of the incident remains unknown but it is believed that due to a storm in the area, the strong winds contributed to the collapse of these structures.”

Two moderately injured patients were assessed and treated on the scene. They were transported to hospital.

Ward councillors in the affected areas reported that power could take between a day and as much as a week to restore.

In a message to residents, local ward councillor Malcolm De Klerk said the N4 and Solomon Mahlangu Drive remained shut just before 08:00 on Monday morning as the cables had not been moved yet.

“Work will continue this morning on getting these cables off the roads and making it safe for tomorrow’s work day,” De Klerk said.

The following substations were affected, according to De Klerk:
– Wapadrand
– Mooikloof
– Waltoo
– Heatherly

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