High-voltage shock lands alleged copper thief in hospital

Sparks as pair of metal pliers cut electrical cable
Image: Shutterstock

A Queensland man who cut into a high-voltage electricity line in an alleged attempt to steal copper is in Toowoomba Hospital in critical condition.

Related article: Copper thieves spark bushfire in Upper Hunter

Queensland Police Service has confirmed it is investigating a break and enter offence that resulted in a man being electrocuted at a power substation in Toowoomba on March 4.

Officers were called to a service station on Tor Street around 4.30am following reports a man had arrived at the business with serious burns to his face and hands.

Upon further investigation, police located a 31-year-old man at Toowoomba Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

Police will allege the man sustained the injuries after gaining entry into the substation on the corner of Tor and Ascot Streets and cutting wires inside a pit.

Related article: Western Power fined for electric shock error

Copper is a lucrative target for thieves due to its high resale value, with prices fetching up to $10 per kilogram.

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