A high-voltage electrical transformer explosion in Turramurra, Sydney, resulted in a fire that threatened nearby properties and caused power outages in over 100 homes. The incident occurred around 6:30 PM on Bannockburn Road, where intense flames from the kiosk approached a power pole and overhead lines.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry reported that approximately 11,000 volts of live electricity ignited, prompting immediate action from firefighters. They swiftly established a safety perimeter and battled the blaze using high-pressure hoses from a safe distance. The response involved six fire trucks and 22 firefighters, who managed to contain the fire within about 30 minutes. Following this, crews took an additional half hour to fully extinguish the flames and cool down the transformer, which had shown signs of being dangerously overheated.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, no injuries were reported, although many residents remained without electricity the next morning. Authorities are currently investigating the fire’s cause, with some speculating that a vehicle may have struck the transformer, resulting in an internal short circuit.
Dewberry emphasised the importance of safety measures when dealing with fire incidents involving electricity, noting the potential hazards to firefighters as they worked to stabilise the situation. The event serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by high-voltage power equipment and the quick response required by emergency services in such critical situations.