Substation fire leaves parts of Joburg in the dark

JOHANNESBURG - A Fordsburg substation blaze has left parts of Johannesburg in the dark and forced the closure of some roads.

Underground cables caught fire, leaving many areas without power.

It's believed the fire was caused by cable theft.

City Power has confirmed that they are on site.

It said in a statement that preliminary findings indicate that the fire affected the cable from the Fordsburg substation to the Braamfontein substation.

Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the cause of the fire is subject to investigations.

@CityofJoburgEMS Firefighters are currently attending to an underground fire incident reported along M1 north Double Decker highway at this stage no injuries reported and the cause of the fire incident is still a subject of investigations. @CityofJoburgZA @CoJPublicSafety (RM) pic.twitter.com/SmpoMMEpAp

— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) May 1, 2024

The JMPD advised motorists to use alternative routes.

M1 Highway in Central Joburg closed off in both directions due to a fire at the railway tracks under the M1.

Traffic on the M1 North diverted at Carr Street, & at Jan Smuts Ave & Empire Rd in Parktown.

Expect delays, avoid & use alternative routes. #JHBTraffic #JoburgTraffic pic.twitter.com/a8rFaNQigM

— Jo'burg Metro Police Department - JMPD (@JoburgMPD) May 1, 2024