The Maryland-Ikorodu 132/33kV transmission line 2 caught fire on Saturday, according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The fire was started by the unexpected explosion of a capacitor voltage transformer.
The TCN said in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Ms Ndidi Mbah, that the incident forced the emergency opening of the substation at approximately 7:58 p.m., which resulted in the isolation of Maryland-Ilupeju 132kV line 1, which was the source of power supply to the substation.
Ms Mbah revealed that efforts were made to extinguish the fire but due to the presence of oil immersed equipment within the surrounding of the explosion it was difficult until the Lagos State Fire Service arrived at 8:45pm and put out the fire completely at 8:55pm.
At about 9:02pm on the same day, the substation was restored back into service.
In its communique the TCN asserted that the sudden failure of Maryland-Ikorodu 132kV Line 2 Yellow phase capacitor voltage transformer can be attributed to ageing and insulation failure.
The transmission company said it regrets inconveniences the incident caused electricity consumers taking supply from Maryland Transmission Substation and notes that it is diligently pursuing the reconductoring/ rehabilitating all its 132kV transmission lines and switchgears nationwide, which would greatly help eliminate such incidents.