Firefighters subdue substation blaze following explosion

Firefighters have managed to extinguish a blaze after a power transformer exploded at a substation in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Richmond, causing delays on several train lines.

Emergency services were called to the resulting blaze about 4.10pm, but had to wait for an hour for the power to be diverted away from the transformer before they were able to take action.

The operation was rendered all the more delicate by the fact the transformer contained “approximately 1000 litres of oil”, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade said in a statement.

The blaze has since been extinguished, however the brigade remains on site and is using thermal imaging equipment to examine whether any risk remains.

The power surge caused minor delays on Metro Trains' Alamein, Belgrave, Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines, the transport operator said, as well as some cancellations.

Delays remain in place for some lines this evening.