Woman Climbs Transformer Causing 800 People to Lose Power
The woman climbing up the transformer.
By Olirena Tuamoheloa, November 21st 2024
A woman in Salt Lake City is receiving treatment after climbing a substation transformer and damaging power equipment during a mental health crisis on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred near Gladiola Street and Decade Drive. To prevent electrocution, police cut power to the substation, leaving more than 800 homes without electricity. According to police, the woman was taken into custody and transported to the hospital after the ordeal.
Witness Ryan Kent said he noticed police cars near the substation and saw the woman standing on the transformer, screaming obscenities at officers. "She was yelling about how the world was no longer safe for her or future children,” Kent said, adding that negotiators were trying to convince her to come down. Kent said a crowd gathered, concerned for the woman’s safety, and hoping for a resolution.
Authorities surrounded her with cherry pickers to bring her down, but she resisted, kicking the equipment and climbing a wire.
When she stepped onto the rim of a cherry picker, an officer used a stun gun, causing her to collapse into the basket. She was safely lowered, treated by paramedics, and taken to the hospital.
A spokesperson for Rocky Mountain Power, confirmed the woman had damaged a control panel at the substation. Power was restored to affected homes about two hours after it was shut off. Eskelsen emphasized the dangers of entering substations, warning the public about the risks, and urging extreme caution.
Salt Lake City police said they are working to connect the woman with necessary mental health resources for continued support. The incident highlights the importance of crisis intervention, proper training, and the dangers posed by unauthorized access to electrical infrastructure.
