Victoria Busch, spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, said customers began calling the company about 3 a.m., saying their power had been knocked out.

When their service people arrived at the site of the outtage they found the dead man, whom police have not yet identified. Busch said 530 residences in Washington Park, Fairmont City, Venice and East St. Louis were without power until shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday. The substation was a crime scene so Ameren’s repair crew had to wait for the police to finish investigating before they could restore power. The company has not experienced such an incident for a while, Busch said.

"It's unfortunate that this guy had to die of this," said Busch, adding that there are warning signs posted at the substation. "We try to educate our customers as much as we can about dangers around electricity and natural gas. But sometimes that education doesn't sink in."

Stealing copper wire seems to go in spurts. Busch said. It's been a little while since the company has experienced such a theft.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Submitted on 10/03/2010

Submitted by: Fred McKinney
Reference: October 3, 2010 -- http://www.stltoday.com/news/article_b77b278c-ce73-11df-8f05-0017a4a78c22.html

Copyright © 2010 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
It's been a while, but here's yet another crispy copper crook for Darwin to check out. Thanks, Fred!

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Crispy copping copper crooks!

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