eThekwini Municipality reports second fatal explosion due to suspected vandalism
Another fatal explosion in Clairwood, suspected to be caused by the theft and vandalism of an electrical cable, has prompted a public appeal to refrain from tampering with electrical infrastructure.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed another fatal explosion related to suspected electrical infrastructure theft.
On Thursday, there were reports of a fatal explosion at a substation at 873 South Coast Road in Jacobs, where one person died. Theft and vandalism were suspected to be the cause. It was also reported that the area was secured and power would be restored after the substation is isolated.
The eThekwini Municipality’s Energy Management Directorate expressed concern as this is the second time this week, someone has died from suspected theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure. The recent incident occurred on South Coast Road near Clairwood.
The municipality reported that one person died in the incident, with their body discovered at the scene.
Initial reports indicate the deceased may have exploited an active work site where a water pipe was being repaired. A medium-voltage cable had been temporarily exposed at the site, pending backfilling. It is suspected that the cable may have been tampered with, triggering a deadly explosion that also disrupted the electricity supply to parts of the Clairwood area.
An investigation into the incident has been launched by the Energy Management Directorate, 48 hours after another fatal explosion in Isipingo, where two people died under similar circumstances.
Two suspected thieves and vandals of electrical infrastructure died while allegedly tampering with a substation.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
The Energy Management Directorate has launched an investigation into the incident, which comes just 48 hours after another fatal explosion occurred in Isipingo that claimed two lives under similar circumstances.
The municipality said the directorate is growing increasingly concerned at the rapid rise in alleged sabotage of critical electrical infrastructure.
“The increasing frequency of these fatal incidents is deeply troubling. Not only do these acts endanger the lives of those who engage in them, but they also pose a serious threat to surrounding communities and disrupt essential services,” said Energy Management Directorate acting director, Philani Shange.
The municipality encouraged the public to stay away from electrical infrastructure and report suspicious activity immediately.
It added that through collective vigilance, municipal infrastructure can be protected and prevent further loss of life.
Two men, suspected of theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure, died while allegedly trying to tamper with the substation.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, two people were killed following an explosion at the Cocos and Bauhenia Mini Substation in Lotus Park, Isipingo. Their deaths were due to suspected theft and vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure.
Initial reports suggest the explosion was caused by unlawful interference with live electrical components, allegedly with the intent to sabotage. This triggered a fire that resulted in the deaths of two of the four suspects believed to have approached the substation with criminal intent. The explosion also caused power outages in the area.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za