Alleged cable thief in critical condition after power line mishap

• A 37-year-old man is currently in critical condition after sustaining severe burns and fractures from a high-voltage electric shock in Quezon City
• The incident occurred during the early hours of January 4, 2026, when the suspect allegedly attempted to steal power cables near the North Luzon Expressway
• Nearly 8,000 residents and several local businesses in Barangay Unang Sigaw were left without electricity after the failed theft disrupted the power grid
• Local authorities are investigating how the non-resident suspect bypassed security fences and guards to gain access to the restricted high-voltage area

A quiet Sunday morning in Quezon City turned into a scene of chaos and emergency medical response. A 37-year-old man is now fighting for his life after a dangerous attempt to steal power cables went horribly wrong in Barangay Unang Sigaw. The incident, which took place near the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) exit heading toward Balintawak, has left the local community both frustrated and concerned for the suspect's survival.

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According to official reports, the suspect climbed several power poles at approximately three o'clock in the morning. Armed with tools to cut through the copper wiring, the man reached the high-voltage lines. However, before he could finish the job, a powerful electric current surged through his body. The force of the electric shock was so strong that it threw him off the pole, causing him to land heavily in a nearby canal.

The aftermath of the fall was devastating. The suspect sustained severe burns across a large portion of his body and suffered multiple fractures from the height of the fall. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where medical staff confirmed that he remains in critical condition. When authorities attempted to question him briefly, the suspect provided inconsistent explanations about his presence at the site and how the incident occurred.

Beyond the physical injuries to the suspect, the attempted theft caused massive collateral damage to the neighborhood. The disruption to the lines triggered a widespread power outage, plunging nearly 8,000 residents into darkness. The blackout did not just affect homes; small businesses were hit hard. Local food vendors, who usually start their preparations in the early morning hours, were forced to halt operations, leading to a loss of income for the day.

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Barangay officials have expressed confusion over the security breach. The area where the poles are located is fenced and constantly monitored by guards due to its proximity to the expressway. Officials confirmed that the suspect is not a resident of the area, raising questions about how he managed to enter the restricted zone unnoticed.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the extreme dangers associated with tampering with electrical infrastructure. While the high value of copper in power cables often attracts thieves, the risk of permanent disability or death remains a very real consequence of such activities.

This is not the first time that the community has suffered due to the actions of individuals targeting electrical wires. In a similar case of WIRE THEFT, several homes were plunged into darkness, resulting in nearly P10,000 in repair costs for the affected families. This previous incident highlighted the growing problem of infrastructure damage that burdens ordinary citizens with unexpected expenses.

Electrical issues, whether caused by theft or faulty equipment, continue to pose a threat to residential areas across the metro. Recently, an EXTENSION WIRE that exploded was cited as a possible cause for a massive fire that destroyed 20 houses in Malabon. Such tragedies underscore the importance of electrical safety and the devastating impact that a single spark or damaged wire can have on a whole neighborhood.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh