Cape Town – Large parts of Pretoria experienced an unscheduled blackout after power lines connecting the Njala substation to Waltloo collapsed on the N4 highway on Sunday.
The City of Tshwane said the 134 kV line resulted in the closure of a section of the road.
“This incident has led to the closure of the N4 freeway east between Solomon Mahlangu and Simon Vermooten off-ramps. Motorists are advised to avoid those roads and use alternative routes,” said the city.
The city said an initial assessment by the energy and electricity team found that “at least seven power-line structures collapsed and were severely damaged.
Pretoria – N4 Route (Update): ROAD CLOSED between Simon Vermooten and Solomon Mahlangu Drive (fallen power pylon) pic.twitter.com/RTtuc7D2AD
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 10, 2023
According to Pro Med EMS who responded to the incident, the power line collapse resulted in multiple collisions.
The emergency services said paramedics at the scene found multiple structures (transmission towers or pylons) collapsed causing cables to hang extremely low over the highway.
Although the exact cause of the collapse remains unconfirmed, it is believed a storm coupled with strong winds contributed.
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Picture: Facebook/ Pro Med Emergency Medical Services
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
