Huge explosion and fireball leaves thousands without power

A huge explosion and fireball has ripped through a power station leaving thousands of people without power. 

The blaze followed an explosion at the electrical substation in Thebarton, five kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD, after 2pm Wednesday.  

Large plumes of thick black smoke blanketed the South Australian city during the afternoon, creating difficulties for firefighters to see what exactly was on fire.

 

A huge explosion ripped through a power station (pictured) leaving thousands without power

There were about 40 firefighters battling the blaze witnesses described to be 70 metres tall

There were about 40 firefighters battling the blaze witnesses described to be 70 metres tall

The blaze followed an explosion at the electrical substation in Thebarton, five kilometres from Adelaide's CBD, after 2pm Wednesday

The blaze followed an explosion at the electrical substation in Thebarton, five kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD, after 2pm Wednesday

Large plumes of thick black smoke blanketed the South Australian city during the afternoon

Large plumes of thick black smoke blanketed the South Australian city during the afternoon

The thick blankets of smoke made it difficult for firefighters to see what was on fire

The thick blankets of smoke made it difficult for firefighters to see what was on fire

Witnesses told 9 News the ‘big flame’ was about ’70 metres into the air’ which was shortly followed by an explosion resembling something ‘out of a Hollywood film’. 

A witness told News Corp he felt the explosion, which ‘sounded like thunder’. 

Despite the main fire being extinguished a short time ago by about 40 firefighters, there are fears it could reignite with firefighters monitoring the internal fire, according to The Advertiser. 

The blaze is thought to have been fuelled by a transformer failure however there was no one working at the time.

Assistant chief fire officer Glenn Benham told ABC News while it was ‘unlikely’ there would be another explosion, there was a risk of another fire if the ‘vessel bursts. 

‘We could have a running oil fire and we’ve put strategies in place to ensure that if we get an oil leak that we can contain that and make sure it doesn’t harm the environment,’ Mr Benham said.

A witness told News Corp he felt the explosion, which 'sounded like thunder' 

A witness told News Corp he felt the explosion, which ‘sounded like thunder’ 

The blaze is thought to have been fuelled by a transformer failure, however there was no one working at the time

The blaze is thought to have been fuelled by a transformer failure, however there was no one working at the time

There are fears the fire could reignite as firefighters monitor the internal fire (pictured)

There are fears the fire could reignite as firefighters monitor the internal fire (pictured)

About 6000 properties, including businesses, were without power, however it was reportedly restored shortly before 5pm. 

The explosion caused a number of traffic delays including public buses being diverted away from the scene. 

Traffic lights stopped working because of the power outages, causing chaos at major intersections. 

Firefighters are currently on scene and an investigation into the fire is underway. 

 About 6000 properties, including businesses, were without power, but it was restored by 5pm

 About 6000 properties, including businesses, were without power, but it was restored by 5pm

The fire caused a number of traffic delays including chaos as traffic lights stopped working

The fire caused a number of traffic delays including chaos as traffic lights stopped working

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