Man dies trying to take copper from power transformer in Christchurch

A man suspected of trying to retrieve copper from a power transformer in Christchurch has died overnight.

Christchurch Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said officers were alerted to a fire at a transformer on Brooker Avenue in Burwood about 12am.

"Upon arrival, a person was found critically injured and sadly died at the scene," Todd said.

Todd said inquiries were underway, "however it appears the man may have been attempting to retrieve copper from the transformer".

"Emergency services were unable to reach the man immediately as the transformer was still live.

"Power had to be cut to the transformer and about 700 homes before first aid could be provided, but the man was unable to be revived."

Todd described it as a "traumatic incident" for attending officers, who were being provided support.

For many years, Christchurch has been plagued by copper thefts and powerline tampering, with police previously issuing warnings following "alarming incidents" reported over a two-week period in May 2024.

At the time, thieves in the Christchurch suburb of Waltham cut the cables in the night and left live wires exposed, including an incident outside a preschool on Phillip St.

Last year, police warned of a "very high chance" of serious injury or death amid incidents of powerline tampering and theft across the Christchurch region in recent months.

"This is not only frustrating to when essential services are disrupted, but this also comes with a serious safety risk," Christchurch Tactical Crime Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Steph Trengrove said at the time.

Todd said this fatality was a reminder of the dangers of power infrastructure and why it should never be interfered with.

"Anyone who sees suspicious activity around power infrastructure should call Police immediately on 111," they said.

The man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.