**Explosion Sparks Power Cut in Gorseinon as Community Rallies Together**
An unexpected explosion rocked the quiet town of Gorseinon, Swansea, on Monday evening, leaving businesses shuttered and residents plunged into darkness. The event, which took place just before 5pm on 9 June, sparked concern among locals who reported hearing a “big bang” and witnessing plumes of smoke emerging from a local electrical substation on Lime Street.
The impact of the incident was swiftly felt throughout the neighbourhood, as both homes and prominent local establishments lost power. The High Street, a central artery of community life, fell silent as businesses like The Mardy Inn, a Wetherspoons restaurant, ceased trading until services could be restored. According to a spokesperson for Wetherspoons, the pub experienced a full blackout at 5.48pm, affecting not just their premises but also the surrounding area. The venue was forced to close its doors for several hours, eventually reopening at 9pm once electricity was restored.
Food outlets were not immune to the disruption. Roma Fish Bar, a cherished chippy on the high street, was among those compelled to close early, disappointing would-be diners eager for their evening meal. Others in the catering trade faced similar challenges, highlighting just how widely the outage was felt across the community.
In a particularly heart-warming turn, the local food bank, SOS Shelters Wales, opened its doors to offer respite for those affected. Rather than shutting down, the not-for-profit organisation acted as a hub for warmth, nourishment, and comfort. Michael Tiley, who manages the food bank with his son David, acted swiftly after numerous residents called to alert him about the explosion. Seeing smoke billowing from the substation next door, Mr Tiley promptly contacted the fire brigade and then began preparing hot meals and drinks for both the emergency crews and anyone else in need.
Speaking of the night’s events, Mr Tiley recounted: “People rang me up because we’re right next to the substation. When I arrived, I saw a lot of smoke, so I called the fire brigade and soon after, around 15 National Grid vans turned up. I asked how long it might take and, hearing it could be up to four hours, I decided to fire up our generator. We served up teas, coffees, chicken curry, pies and chips to anyone who needed it – no charge.” Mr Tiley added that he, aided by his team of around 25 volunteers, remained there serving food until nearly 11pm, ensuring those working into the night were looked after.
Emergency services responded rapidly to the incident. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were on the scene within minutes of receiving the call at 5.02pm. Crews from Pontarddulais and Morriston stations assisted National Grid engineers to safely isolate the faulty substation and help manage traffic nearby, with their work on site concluding by 5.56pm.
A total of 87 properties were affected by the outage, according to National Grid Electricity Distribution. The utility company thanked customers for their patience during the disruption and reminded the public that any future incidents of lost power should be reported via their dedicated helpline. They also encouraged residents with specific needs to register for their free priority services, ensuring additional support in emergencies.
Access in the immediate area around the substation was restricted during the emergency response, with footpaths closed off to allow engineers and firefighters to carry out their work safely. Scenes of smoke, flashing blue lights, and the hum of generators made for a dramatic end to the evening for many in Gorseinon.
While the cause of the explosion was traced to a fault in the underground electricity network, quick action by local services and community groups helped to contain the disruption. The event shines a light not only on the vulnerability of essential infrastructure, but also on the remarkable solidarity present in local communities during times of crisis. The events in Gorseinon serve as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that can arise—and just as importantly, the enduring spirit of neighbourly support that can bring a town together.