A HUNTER man has been charged after he allegedly attempted to steal copper cabling from a substation, which caused an explosion that injured him so severely he had to be flown to hospital in Sydney.
According to police an Ausgrid substation on Main Road, Heddon Greta, was broken into about 11.35pm on Monday October 25. Cabling was stripped from the site in an attempt to steal the copper, but instead resulted in an explosion. The substation is considered critical infrastructure and the cost to repair and replace the stolen cables is expected to be more than $165,000.
A short time later, paramedics were called to a home on Northcote Street, Aberdare, to help a man suffering burns to his face and hands. The 46-year-old allegedly told police he suffered the burns during a welding accident.
The man was airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment, his injuries were not life-threatening.
Hunter Valley police launched an investigation into the theft and explosion. On Wednesday November 13 detectives arrested the 46-year-old man at an Aberdare property.
He was taken to Cessnock police station where he was charged with three offences including sabotage, break and enter house etc steal, and break and enter house etc destroy property.
The man was refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on January 22, 2025.
Ausgrid group executive for operations Sam Sofi said copper theft was a serious public safety issue.
"Not only are these criminals putting their own lives at risk but they are also endangering the local community by leaving powerlines exposed and substations open," he said.
"If you see or hear of any attempts to steal copper, please contact Crime Stoppers, you may well be saving a life. This criminal act also diverts resources away from our emergency crews and their ability to respond to incidents across our network.
"All incidents of copper theft are reported to the police, and we have successfully identified and convicted several offenders. No amount of copper is worth a life."
