Man found dead behind Nova Scotia Power substation in Stellarton
Police believe a man who was found dead behind a Nova Scotia Power substation in Stellarton, N.S., was trying to steal copper wire.
Stellarton Police Chief Mark Hobeck told CTV News there was a power outage in the area around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.
When Nova Scotia Power employees went to the substation on North Foord Street to investigate, police say they found a man’s body at the scene.
They reported the incident to police around 8 a.m.
No details about the man have been released at this time. Police say they are still working to confirm his identity.
Hobeck says police are investigating the incident as an attempted theft of copper wire and are working with Nova Scotia Power.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this very difficult time,” said Dave Pickles, chief operating officer for Nova Scotia Power, in a statement.
“Unfortunately, this is a grave reminder of just how dangerous the theft of copper wire can be. We are cooperating fully with the Stellarton Police as they investigate this devastating situation.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or video from the area to call 902-752-6160 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
INCIDENT CAUSES POWER OUTAGE
More than 4,000 customers in Pictou County were without power for about an hour Tuesday afternoon, with “damage to overhead equipment” cited as the cause.
Power was restored to the area around 1:30 p.m.
DANGERS OF COPPER WIRE THEFT
Meanwhile, police are warning of the dangers associated with copper wire theft.
Police say attempts to steal copper wire can lead to serious injury or death, and can put the public at risk.
Live wire can carry more than 25,000 volts of electricity, so there is a high risk of electrocution, according to police.
They also note that stealing copper wire can lead to power outages, affect service, and create dangerous working conditions for crews.
Nova Scotia Power said in October that the utility had seen an increase in thefts from its electrical equipment and substations in 2022, with dozens of incidents reported across the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.