A fact-finding and information-gathering process is under way at Amcor substation in Meyerton, Gauteng, after a 20 MVA transformer exploded when it was switched back on after maintenance.
The substation, which supplied silicone manganese producer Samancor, had since been shut down.
Within minutes of the incident, the Emergency Preparedness Centre was activated, the incident scene contained and the rescue teams deployed.
Supply could not be restored until the fire was extinguished by the fire department, which was on site at the time of reporting.
The extent of the damage to other equipment in the substation yard could not be accurately determined until the fire had been extinguished.
State-owned Eskom operators were on site to evaluate the extent of damage and to restore supply to the customer.