Incident at electrical substation

The Calgary Police Service continues to investigate a fatality that occurred this morning.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, at approximately 2:45 a.m., an ENMAX emergency work crew was called to a substation in southeast Calgary as a result of an electronic alarm.

Emergency crews entered the ENMAX substation and a deceased man was located within the fenced compound.

First responders entered the area once it was rendered safe by ENMAX.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, has not yet been officially identified.

Officers from the Stolen Property Unit and District 6 are working closely with ENMAX Security to confirm the circumstances of this death.

While the autopsy has not yet been conducted, it is believed the man had broken into the substation and was electrocuted. Evidence at the scene indicates this was an attempted theft of metal.

One of the priorities of the CPS Stolen Property Unit is to prevent the theft of copper and other metals. They work with many partners, including ENMAX, to combat such thefts.

As part of ongoing efforts to combat these crimes, ENMAX has considerably ramped up security measures in recent years to prevent critical injuries and death. All ENMAX substations have several physical security features and obvious warning signs.

The theft of metal, particularly from critical infrastructure sites, creates a severe hazard for site employees, first responders, the public, as well as for offenders.

Theft at such sites can create a potentially fatal situation for employees and first responders, who may not be aware of the risk when they enter an area that’s been compromised.

Substations are incredibly dangerous, even for working crews who have to follow rigid guidelines when working on the sites. There is no copper of any value on the substations other than that which forms part of the energized network.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
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TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637