Richmond power plant explosion causes train delays
Date June 7, 2016 - 10:03PM
Chloe Booker
Smoke can been seen billowing after a large explosion in Richmond on Tuesday afternoon. Photo: Channel Nine
Smoke could be seen billowing from a Richmond power plant after a massive explosion rocked the suburb on Tuesday afternoon.
Shocked residents and shoppers heard a large bang as fire engulfed a transformer at an electrical terminal station on Mary Street.
A Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokesman said firefighters arrived at the blaze, near the Monash Freeway, about 4.10pm.
"There is a lot of smoke, some fire and a big bang," he said.
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Firefighters were forced to wait on standby as electrical experts worked to isolate power to the transformer, the spokesman said.
The power was isolated and the fire extinguished shortly after 5pm.
About 1000 litres of oil were contained within the transformer, the spokesman said.
He said the explosion was heard at the MFB training complex in nearby Burnley Street.
Metro Trains were reporting major delays to some outbound services on the Alamein, Belgrave, Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines due to a power surge.
Just after 5.30pm, the delays were listed as minor.
A VicRoads spokeswoman said there were minor traffic delays in nearby Coppin Street shortly after the explosion.
There were no injuries.