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MMC for EISD Michael Sun was on the scene of an underground fire that broke out in the Johannesburg CBD on the corners of Ntemi Piliso and Anderson streets. 

“Johannesburg Emergency Management services are currently battling the blaze but have only just been able to move underground due to the thick smoke engulfing the area,” Councillor Sun said.

“As soon as the fire has been brought under control City Power officials will be able to begin work in restoring electricity.”

City Power received an early warning signal of an underground fire at 7am this morning. 

At this stage the source and cause of the fire is yet to be established.

“The blaze is affecting up to 3km of underground cabling and has caused extensive power outages,” City Power’s Isaac Mongena said.

“As soon as it’s safe our technicians will head underground and begin the work of restoring power.”

Areas affected by the power outage are large parts of Selby and the surrounding suburbs of New Centre, Village Deep, Park Central and Wemmer.

City authorities are unable to estimate the expected return of power to affected areas but all is being done to bring the situation under control. 

“For the time being business owners and residents around the scene are not being told to evacuate the area. We will be updating the public as the situation progresses,” MMC Sun said.

Issued by City of Johannesburg