Power was restored to all localities this afternoon after a widespread power cut, caused when a contactor hit a 33 kv cable in Valley Road. 

The feeder tripped boilers seven and eight at Marsa, effectively shutting down the power station and leaving 40 per cent of the island without power.

The localities which suffered a cut included Valletta, Marsascala, Birkirkara, Iklin, Kappara, Qormi, Lija and Floriana.

Other localities such as Sliema reported that lights dimmed at the same time.

A spokesman for Enemalta said a gas turbine was immediately started and power started to be restored 25 minutes later.

Power was restored to all areas by 5.45 p.m.