Transformer explodes in Llandinam Tower causing campus-wide power cut

A transformer in the substation on the ground floor of Llandinam exploded this afternoon, causing a massive power cut and leaving uni webpages including blackboard and student record out of action.

The power outage has affected buildings across campus, with the library, IBERS, Interpol building and sports cage all experiencing a loss in power.

At this stage it is unclear as to if anyone is hurt by the explosion but sources suggest everyone was evacuated successfully and without any problems.

The entire area surrounding has been cordoned off whilst fire and rescue services secure the situation.

This explosion has already led to cancellation of lectures and sports meetings.

Fire services arrived at the scene rapidly

Third year Lloyd Nelmes explained what he saw as he walked to his lecture in the IBERS building.

He said: “I was walking to IBERS for a lecture when the ground shook, I saw the power cut and heard alarms going.

“I didn’t think much of it and the smoke hadn’t started yet so I walked into IBERS where people at the desk were on phones sounding a bit worried.

“I walked into my lecture and they called it off due to no power but I heard from outside that there had been an explosion.

” I went to go see what happened there was quite a bit of smoke coming out from the vents that lead to Llandinam [electrical substation]”

A cordon is in effect around the substation

As a consequence of this all aber uni affiliated web sources are down meaning that Blackboard is unavailable to anyone looking to catch up on work before term starts.

Student records remain unaccessible at this stage and it unclear when normal services will be back up and running again.

The library have confirmed that no one will be able to access Aberystwyth computers until at least tomorrow implying that the network is down.

A computer science lecturer has also said it could have damaged the HPC (High Powered Computer) in Llandinam, which would lose him weeks of work and is worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Due to the lines being down, the university was unable to comment.