VANDERBIJLPARK – Vanderbijlpark residents are fuming after an explosion at Curie Boulevard sub-station.

On Sunday evening, at around 23:00, the problematic substation exploded, causing a massive fire and leaving the town in the dark.

Scores of residents went to the scene to watch as Emergency services, including the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) fire department, ADT fire, local firefighters, and Vanderbijlpark police, were dispatched.

Flashing emergency lights and cellphone torches beamed from the outraged community.

Speaking to Ster, Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni said, “The municipality is aware of a power outage affecting consumers supplied from the Town Substation. A team has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the explosion and the extent of the damage. No ETR can be shared at this stage. Updates will be shared when there are further developments. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

Ster spoke to several residents who raised their frustrations.

Thabiso Mokoena said, “This is becoming suspicious. It has not been long since the last explosion or substation damage, and yet again we are plunged into the darkness.”

Roseline Shabalala said, “We are going to stay without power for weeks now. Normally, when such a thing happens in this problematic substation, we go weeks without power. It’s alarming how, now and then, the station burns. Could it be the technician’s fault, or is there a syndicate operating? We will never find out.”

While power has been restored in some Vanderbijlpark communities, some areas remain in the dark.
Ster will provide updates as and when communication from Emfuleni and other role players is released.