2 men die of electrocution after attempting to steal from power substation

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Two men attempting to steal items from a power station northeast of Atlanta died Monday when they were electrocuted, authorities said.

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According to a Facebook post by the Gainesville Police Department, emergency crews responded to a transformer fire at about 3 a.m. EDT.

An investigation determined that the two men trespassed onto the property and broke into a fenced area, WSB-TV reported. The men died from apparent electrocution when they tried to steal from the substation, according to the television station.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a substation is a high-voltage electric system facility. It is used to switch generators, equipment, and circuits or lines in and out of a system, according to WSB.

According to police, investigators are working to identify the deceased victims.

Members of the Gainesville Fire Department and Georgia Power worked to ensure the safety in the area before first responders moved in to recover the bodies, police said.

Gainesville is about 55 northeast of downtown Atlanta.