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2 people found dead at Detroit Public Lighting Department building

Emergency responders encounter 24,000-volt power line

Two people were found dead Dec. 29, 2017 at a Detroit Public Lighting Authority building on Raymond Avenue near Harper Avenue. (WDIV)

DETROIT – Two people have been found dead inside a Detroit Public Lighting Department station on the city's east side. 

UPDATE: Police: 2 thieves electrocuted by 24,000-volt transformer inside Detroit lighting facility

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Officials said they believe the people were stealing copper from inside the building. They may have been electrocuted, officials said. The medical examiner will have to determine cause of death. Officials said they are unidentified black males. 

Power went out in the area about 4 a.m. Friday. DTE Energy responded and found the bodies. The Detroit Fire Department dispatched emergency responders about 6:50 a.m. They said they came in contact with a 24,000-volt power line at the building. 

The public lighting station is on Raymond Avenue near Harper Avenue.

DTE released the following statement on the electrocution:

"The incident at the Public Lighting Department substation this morning is a sad and unfortunate event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals’ families and friends. We trust that local authorities and Public Lighting Department will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this event. Please remember to maintain a safe distance from any electrical equipment."

Detroit police are investigating. 

Stay with ClickOnDetroit for updates. 


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