Power outage hits Lagos, as fire guts EKEDC’s Idumagbo injection substation transformer

Oredola Adeola

A power outage has occurred in Lagos Island as a new 15 Mega Volt-Amp (MVA) injection substation power transformer, in Idumagbo, Adeniji Adele Phase 2, exploded and caught fire on Tuesday, affecting electricity supply to customers in Idumagbo and Ajele areas.

EnergyDay’s check showed that the facility belongs to Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). The affected facility is one of the 15MVA power transformers inside the substation caught fire.

Mr. Godwin Idemudia, EKEDC Corporate Communications General Manager, in a statement obtained by EnergyDay disclosed that a 15MVA power transformer at EKEDC’s new Idumagbo Injection Substation caught fire around 3 pm on Tuesday.

He commended the firefighters for quick response to EKEDC’s call and urgent arrest of the situation, thereby preventing the spread of the fire and further damage on the facility.

Idemudia further explained that the Disco’s technical and safety teams are currently assessing the situation and investigating to identify the cause of the fire.

He however appealed to customers whose supply was affected by the fire outbreak to bear with the company and assured them of interim arrangements to restore power to them from another source.

Mrs Adeseye Margaret, Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in a statement obtained by EnergyDay also confirmed the incident.

She said, “The Fire outbreak which was reported at about 14:42hours, Tuesday was subdued by the firepower of the Fire Crews which did not allow it to spread beyond the seat of Fire.

“The Firefighting operations concluded at 16:15hours and were carried out with the support of the Federal Fire Service while the Nigerian Police and Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency also provided necessary coverage.

“Consequently, an investigation is ongoing with the concerned Disco Engineering Team to unravel the cause and necessary updates will be made available as the situation demands,” the Fire Service said.

The Lagos State Fire Service Director also noted that there was however no record of casualty of any sought.

As of the period of filing this report, the firefighters have successfully put out the inferno, and residents of the area were seen battling with smoke fumes wafting into the air.