Blast at Eskom’s Matla Power Station injures nine
A blast at Eskom’s Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga injured nine employees, one of whom is in critical condition.
Eskom workers were injured on 12 December 2024 after an explosion at Matla Power Station, which left one of them critically injured, reported IOL.
The power utility has since released a statement detailing the incident, which injured nine of ites employees. Eskom said a transformer had exploded at the Mpumalanga power station.
MORE ON EXPLOSION AT ESKOM’S MATLA POWER STATION
According to Eskom, the incident occurred around 17:00. The explosion at Matla Power Station affected Unit six, but Unit five was also taken offline. This was to ensure the safety of everyone on-site, including employees and contractors.
The utility expressed their concern for those injured. The Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, said: “Our first thoughts are with those who have been injured and we are ensuring they get the medical attention they need. All emergency protocols have been activated.”
IS LOAD SHEDDING STILL SUSPENDED?
Eskom confirmed that load shedding is still suspended despite the incident. The technical team was assessing the situation at the time. It said they would do so throughout this evening until tomorrow, and they would issue regular update reports.
LOAD SHEDDING-FREE MILESTONE FOR ESKOM
The South African reported on 8 December 2024 that Eskom had reached a load shedding-free milestone. This is after the country went without load shedding for more than 250 days. It said it had saved nearly R17 billion in year-on-year diesel costs.
“This achievement reflects the ongoing success of comprehensive structural improvements within the coal-fired fleet, reinforcing Eskom’s commitment to providing a reliable energy supply, enabling economic growth, and promoting long-term sustainability.”
Eskom’s summer outlook also predicts a load shedding-free holiday season. “In August, Eskom shared its Summer Outlook for the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, predicting a likely scenario of a load shedding-free summer due to structural generation improvements. This outlook remains unchanged.”