An Eskom employee died and another was seriously injured after the collapse of the conductor structure of a transmission line they were busy upgrading in Vanderbijlpark on Wednesday.
Eskom spokesperson Fani Zulu said three Eskom employees, who were part of a team upgrading a transmission line next to the Letaba power station from 275kV to 400kV, were sitting on the conductor with their harnesses strapped to it, working on the line.
”The conductor structure suddenly collapsed to the ground, bringing the men down with it,” said Zulu.
The third employee received minor injuries and the other was airlifted to Alberton Union hospital.
Eskom said it is saddened and concerned about the accident.
”As an organisation, we take the question of safety very seriously. Our view is that one incident of this nature is one incident too many,” said Zulu.
He said when accidents like these occur, they create a sombre mood among colleagues.
”We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim,” he said. — Sapa