A major power outage has struck parts of the Johannesburg inner city following a fire at a central electricity substation early on Saturday morning, according to City Power. The fire, which was reported around 6am, has led to widespread electricity disruptions across key areas including Marshalltown, Selby, the Standard Bank precinct, Carlton Centre, and parts of the Johannesburg CBD.
Emergency response teams, including Emergency Management Services and Johannesburg Fire Services, were dispatched to the scene and remain on site working to contain and manage the situation. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said that technical teams have not yet been granted access to the substation, as emergency personnel continue their operations, adding that a full assessment of the damage can only begin once the site has been declared safe and formally handed over.
Power Outage Causes and Effects
The cause of the fire is still unknown and will be investigated as part of a formal inquiry. Meanwhile, residents and businesses in affected areas have been urged to remain patient as efforts to stabilise the situation continue. Affected customers will be updated on any developments made. For more information on power outages and their management, visit the Eskom website.
The power outage has also had an impact on other institutions, such as the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, which suspended operations on Monday after a power outage disrupted electricity supply to the court and surrounding areas.
Areas Affected by the Power Outage
The following areas have been affected by the power outage:
- Marshalltown
- Selby
- Standard Bank precinct
- Carlton Centre
- Parts of the Johannesburg CBD
As the situation continues to unfold, City Power has assured residents and businesses that they are working tirelessly to restore power to the affected areas. In the meantime, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their property.
