Eskom says it is working to restore electricity to the residents of Jagersfontein and affected communities.
Eskom spokesperson Stefanie Jansen Van Rensburg says due to the current situation in the Jagersfontein area and the inaccessibility of the substation, it is impossible to estimate when the electricity supply will be restored or to determine the extent of the damage.
Van Rensburg says the telecommunication system is also affected and the impact on surrounding networks is still unclear.
“We aim to restore supply to the mine by the end of today. But due to the current situation in the area because of the inaccessibility of the substation, it is impossible to estimate when other supply will be restored or to determine the extent of the damage.”
“We wish to express our sincere condolences to those affected by this catastrophic event and commend the Emergency Service for their swift response,” says Jansen van Rensburg.
Emergency Medical Services spokesperson in the Free State, Sipho Towa speaks to the SABC:
Towa says one fatality can be confirmed at this stage. Towa also says the pregnant woman who was sent to Diamant hospital alongside other injured has been transported to the Pelonomi Hospital to receive specialised medical care
