Explosion Downs Electricity Pylon In Greater Cairo

An electricity pylon supplying the Haram district of Greater Cairo  was downed on Friday in an explosion caused by “unknown parties,” an electricity ministry spokesman told Ahram Online.

The explosion damaged the trestles of the 220kV tower, causing it to collapse, spokesperson Mohamed Yamany said.

The attack, which took place at dawn, resulted in brief cuts to affected areas as necessary diversions were carried out to prevent power shortages, Yamany added.

Repairs should take between two weeks and cost LE1 million (around $141,000).

Egypt’s electricity grid has come under frequent attack by vandals who have targeted electricity substations, towers and circuits in several parts of the country.

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab said last August that attacks on electrical lines had led to a reduction in production by up to 15 percent, contributing to rolling summer blackouts.

Source : Ahram online