RICHMOND, CA – Authorities in Contra Costa County are investigating a fatal incident involving an attempted copper theft that resulted in a man’s death early this morning. The event, which occurred near Cutting Boulevard and Second Street, began with reports of an explosion that rattled the Richmond neighborhood.
Martin Richert, a local business owner, was among the first to alert police after hearing a loud boom that shook his windows. Richmond police received multiple calls about a copper theft and an explosion in the area. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a man’s body submerged in approximately five feet of water inside an underground PG&E vault.
Investigators believe the man was electrocuted while attempting to steal copper, which triggered a power outage affecting over 1,500 customers in downtown and South Richmond. The man appeared to have been navigating a makeshift catwalk when he came into contact with live electrical components, causing the fatal incident. Contrary to initial reports, there was no fire or significant explosion, but the power disruption was substantial.
Local residents expressed their sorrow but noted that such incidents are not uncommon in the area, which has a significant population of unhoused individuals. Witnesses reported frequent sightings of people entering manholes, often in search of water or other resources. Richert mentioned that he has seen and reported similar activities on multiple occasions, sometimes almost daily.
One witness informed the police that they saw three men enter the 12-foot vault, but only two emerged. While firefighters found no evidence of vandalism, police suspect the deceased man was involved in the reported copper theft. The recovery of the body was a complex operation due to the hazardous conditions within the vault, including confined spaces, electrical risks, and structural entanglements.
Power was restored to all affected customers by 7 a.m. The identity of the deceased man has not been released.