The power has been fully restored while one patient remains critically injured following the explosion at a substation in Kimberley.

On Monday morning (13/5), the streets of Kimberley were disrupted by an explosion at a substation, leaving four Sol Plaatje municipal workers hospitalised. The incident occurred at approximately 09:00 at the substation in Hercules Street, where electricians were attending to a cable fault. The Department of Labour swiftly responded to assess the situation.

Intensive cleaning at the Hercules Street Substation in Herlear following an explosion. Photo supplied                       

One worker remains in critical condition due to severe burn wounds, while the other three are fortunate to be out of danger.

Municipal Manager Thapelo Matlala, alongside senior managers, visited the hospitalised workers and met with the family of the critically injured colleague, said Sol Plaatje spokesperson, Thabo Mothibi.

Faulty cables, identified as the cause of the explosion, have been repaired, with the installation of a new ring main unit ensuring the return of electricity for residents.

Exploded substation in Kimberley. Photo supplied

Two years prior, the community mourned the loss of an electrician, Faiek Adams, who tragically passed away following an explosion at a mini-substation in Aviva Street. 

Adams succumbed to a lung infection after being in the intensive care unit for almost three weeks with severe burns.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg