15 Dec African power station catches fire after suspected fuel leak

Firefighters have been called to Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga in South Africa.

The fire is believed to be due to a suspected fuel leak, although investigations are ongoing.

Extensive damage has been caused to the power station, but no fatalties or injuries have been confirmed.

Power supplier Eskom said: “Since Tuesday morning, a unit each at Camden, Kriel, Majuba, Matla and Duvha power stations were taken off-line for repairs and planned maintenance. In addition, the delay in returning to service a generating unit each at Arnot, Duvha and Hendrina power stations contributed to the capacity constraints.”

A generating unit each at Grootvlei, Camden, Kriel, and Majuba power stations have since returned to service.

Eskom added: “We currently have 6 618MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 996MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”