VIDEO: Bluff substation explosion leaves residents in the dark

Many residents have taken to social media to express their frustration and concerns about those who need electricity.

February 12, 2019

Lauren Beukes 1 minute read

BLUFF residents were left without electricity when a substation in Yardley Avenue exploded moments after the Malbourough Park’s electricity returned following yesterday’s loadshedding.

Residents came out in their numbers after the explosion which caused billowing smoke and towering flames. They questioned their safety and questioned on how long their darkness will last.

READ: Loadshedding Survival Kit – After the outage

Many took to social media to express their frustration and concerns about those who need electricity. One Facebook user, Philip Wood pointed out that like a water supply, electrical supply is an essential part of everyone’s life today and has been for the past 120 years. “This includes necessary home medical appliances like Nebulizers, constant air pressure machines for those with breathing problems ( this area is well known for respiratory problems), to name a few,” he said in his post.

While most believe that this repair will take weeks to complete, much to the surprise of residents, electricians from Ethekwini Municipality arrived in the morning to start repairing the badly damaged substation. Thoroughly impressed by the efficiency of the workers, the community shared their gratitude with the community who gave them coffee at 5am and since then people have been dropping off some food and cool drinks to keep them energised while working.