An explosion at an Enemalta distribution centre blacked out more than half the country yesterday.

A company spokeswoman said the explosion was triggered by a fault in the distribution switchgear that developed during “reinforcing works” at the Marsa south distribution centre, situated behind the Turkish cemetery at Marsa industrial estate.

Nobody was injured in the blast that happened at 2.30pm but the spokeswoman said 55 per cent of the island suffered a power cut.

Reports of electricity outages reached the newsroom from Għajnsielem, Birkirkara, Sliema, Valletta and Marsascala.

Traffic lights on main arteries also stopped working as a result of the power cut.

Enemalta said it was investigating the cause of the explosion.

The blast caused two units at Marsa power station – turbines six and seven – and the steam units and gas turbine at Delimara power station to trip.

“The only generating units that didn’t suffer a trip were the diesel engines at the Delimara extension,” the spokeswoman said.

In some areas, electricity was restored after a few minutes but, elsewhere, the power outage lasted for more than three hours.

Two Premier League football matches were postponed for today as the outage affected the floodlights and electronic ticketing system at Victor Tedesco Stadium, Ħamrun.