One killed, another critically injured at Eskom power station
A worker has died after what has been described as "a major incident" at Eskom's Lethabo power station in the Free State.
It happened at unit 5 of the power station on Wednesday afternoon, with reports that a boiler allegedly exploded.
In a statement released, Eskom confirms an employee was killed, and another was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
"The Department of Labour has been notified and Eskom Execs are travelling to the site."
Boiler explosion on Unit 5 at @Eskom_SA's Lethabo power station. pic.twitter.com/FRS7tbk5fH
— Chris Yelland (@chrisyelland) October 10, 2018
Energy expert, Chris Yelland conveyed his sympathy to the family of the deceased.
"May we express our solidarity and support for Eskom in dealing with this crisis," Yelland tweeted.
Operations at the unit have been halted.
"As a result of the rupture of a main steam pipe, the units are not operational," reads the statement.
The extent of the damage at @Eskom_SA's Lethabo power station after the boiler explosion on Unit 5 about an hour ago is still unknown as Eskom waits for large dust cloud to clear before moving in to assess for futher injuries and damage.
— Chris Yelland (@chrisyelland) October 10, 2018
Eskom confirms only Unit 5 at Lethabo is down after a generator trip followed by a loud boiler explosion. The other 5 units at @Eskom_SA's Lethabo PS are still operating, but staff have been evacuated as much as possible as a precautionary measure. Situation "calm" at the moment.
— Chris Yelland (@chrisyelland) October 10, 2018