Man Electrocuted While Attempting to Steal Power Cables in Udon Thani

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures from responders.

 

A man believed to have been attempting to steal power cables from an electricity pole in Udon Thani has died after being electrocuted and falling to the ground. The incident also triggered a fire in nearby roadside grass, which was swiftly extinguished by emergency services.

 

Police in Udon Thani received a report of the incident on the evening of January 20. Pol. Lt. Col. Teerapap Phukhantai of the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, along with firefighters and electrical authority staff, rushed to the scene near an abandoned petrol station on Mittraphap Road (Route 22) in Ban Pornsawan, Nong Na Kham Subdistrict.

 

On arrival, officers discovered the body of a man, estimated to be 30-40 years old, lying at the base of an electricity pole. The man’s left hand and head bore severe burn marks, consistent with electrocution. Nearby, they found a 20mm spanner, a machete, and a bag containing wire-cutting tools, many of which were damaged by fire. A bicycle was also located close to the pole, believed to belong to the deceased.

 

The pole, part of the old petrol station’s infrastructure, showed signs of tampering, with wooden sticks inserted into its holes, likely to assist the man in climbing. Investigators believe he was attempting to cut and steal the power cables when he came into contact with a live wire, causing his fatal fall.

 

The incident also caused a small fire in the surrounding grassland, which was promptly extinguished by local firefighters, preventing further damage.

 

 

A witness, Sarawit Treethra, 23, who was driving along the road at the time, reported seeing bright sparks and hearing an explosion. He turned his vehicle around and saw the man’s lifeless body near the pole, immediately calling the police.

 

Authorities are working to identify the deceased, as no identification documents were found at the scene. Investigations are ongoing, but police suspect the man had planned to steal the cables for resale, a common motive in such cases.

 

-- 2025-01-21

 

[HappyExpat57]

Good gawd, if ever there was a clear case of som nom na!

[rocketboy2]

Shocking.

 

R.I.P.