A explosion and fire at a Queensland coal-fired power station have caused a widespread electricity outage, affecting almost 500,000 homes from northern New South Wales to Cairns.
The Queensland government-owned corporation CS Energy confirmed the fire at the Callide power station near Biloela caused the shutdown of the station’s three operating generators.
CS Energy has immediately acted following an incident at Callide Power Station near Biloela in Central Queensland today. At approximately 1.45pm today, a fire occurred in one of the turbine halls at the power station.
— CS Energy (@CSEnergyQld) May 25, 2021
CS Energy said the fire broke out in a turbine hall at the Callide Power Station in about 1.45pm, causing the three units that were generating power at the time to go off line.
“We immediately evacuated the power station and called emergency services to attend site. At this stage, there are no reported injuries,” CS Energy said.
The Energy Market Operator called the outage a significant power system event.
Power companies Energex and Ergon both confirmed widespread outages since the fire. Energex, which manages the power network in south-east Queensland, said 389,000 people from the Gold Coast to Caboolture were affected by outages.
Most had power restored by 3.30pm on Tuesday.
Ergon Energy, which distributes power outside the south-east, reported unexpected power outages in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Gladstone.
The outage cut power to traffic lights across metropolitan Brisbane creating chaos on the roads, but many of those are now operating again as normal.
Gold Coast trams were also hit, with services suspended from Broadbeach South to Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise.
Additional reporting by Australian Associated Press.
