Vandalism causes weekend power loss

1 Mar 2010

Electricity equipment in the Ballynahinch area was damaged by a gunshot on Sunday, leaving over 600 customers without power.

The incident occurred at 16.11 and Northern Ireland Electricity emergency repair teams were immediately dispatched to assess the damage and begin repairs. The majority of customers in the Ballynahinch, Saintfield and Carryduff areas had electricity supplies restored within two and half hours and the remaining 21 customers had power back by 23.41.

Valerie Curran, NIE Customer Relations Manager for the area, said, “It is clear from the damage to NIE’s equipment that the fault was caused by a firearm. Not only has this damage greatly inconvenienced the local community but it put the people involved at great risk of injury from falling lines or falling equipment.”

“I would ask all members of the local community to be extra vigilant and to report any damage to NIE apparatus on 08457 643 643. Our advice is clear – stay safe by staying away from electricity equipment.”

Latest news | Main news page