Major Substation Fire Leaves Johannesburg CBD in Darkness
Fire erupt in Joburg CBD left emergency services on site responding to the blaze with less resources.
By Mathipa Phishego
Large parts of the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) were plunged into darkness on Friday following a fire at the Bree Street substation, City Power confirmed. The blaze has left several surrounding communities without electricity and, in some areas, water, highlighting the fragile state of the city’s utility infrastructure.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in the early hours of the morning after reports of smoke and flames. City Power officials said the fire caused extensive damage to the substation’s electrical equipment. Making it unsafe for crews to enter and restore power immediately.
The outage has affected areas including Newtown, Braamfontein, Hillbrow, Parktown, Berea, and other nearby neighbourhoods. Residents reported that the blackout disrupted businesses, traffic signals, and communication networks, causing widespread inconvenience.
City’s Response
“Safety is our priority. Our teams will not enter the substation until it is declared safe. Restoration work will begin as soon as possible,” said a City Power spokesperson.
This incident follows a series of electrical infrastructure failures in Johannesburg, including a recent transformer explosion in New Doornfontein that injured several people. These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for investment and maintenance in the city’s aging power network.
Results to Residents
The blackout is also impacting water supply, as many Johannesburg pumping stations rely on electricity. Residents have been urged to store sufficient water for essential use and to unplug appliances to prevent damage when power is restored.
City Power has urged the public to remain calm and follow official updates. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with authorities promising a detailed report once it is safe to access the substation.
Johannesburg’s CBD remains in partial darkness, with communities awaiting relief amid sweltering summer conditions.
