Cable Theft Attempt Triggers Blast and Lod Power Outage
An attempted theft of underground power cables near Ben Sheman triggered an explosion and power outage in Old Lod. Electric company crews filed a police report.
An attempted theft of underground power cables near the Ben Sheman junction caused a power outage in the Old City of Lod early Monday morning, according to local reports.
Israel Electric Corporation crews dispatched to the scene discovered that the high-voltage cables had been severed with a saw while still energized. Scorch marks found nearby indicate that an explosion occurred during the unauthorized cutting attempt, which took place in an area where Route 40 expansion works are currently underway.
The power outage struck the Old City of Lod around 2:00 AM, prompting emergency repair teams to locate the fault and restore electricity to all affected customers by approximately 4:00 AM. Subsequent morning inspections revealed the saw cuts and blast residue, prompting utility officials to file a formal complaint with the police.
Company representatives strongly warned that cutting live electrical cables poses severe life-threatening risks, including electrocution and violent explosions that endanger both the perpetrators and the public.
