Exploded transformer burns one person.

A man from Weltevreden Park (35) is still in critical condition after he suffered severe burns when a transformer exploded on 6 October.

Witnesses on the scene said the victim was seen pulling some clothes out of the transformer box before it caught fire. Ward 126 Councillor Mike Tonkin says the issue of vagrants keeping their belongings in sub-stations is not necessarily a rising problem but is simply absurd on the part of the person doing it.

“With cable and copper theft being such a big problem in Johannesburg, it really would not make sense to go and sleep there but we have heard of these incidents. We have reported that problem to City Power.”

According to ER24 paramedic Russel Meiring, the man was treated on the scene before being transported to Helen Joseph Hospital.

“Paramedics had to provide the patient with advanced life support to stabilise his vital signs. On assessment, the patient has sustained severe burns over most of his body.”