Authorities are investigating an attack on two electrical substations in rural North Carolina that has left tens of thousands without power, schools closed, and a curfew imposed. Here's what we know.
A gunfire attack on two electrical substations in Moore County, N.C., knocked out power to the region, including to stoplights in the town of Southern Pines.A gunfire attack on two electrical substations in Moore County, N.C., knocked out power to the region, including to stoplights in the town of Southern Pines.
The outage began shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday night near Carthage, N.C., and soon spread to encompass the majority of the county. The damage to the substations could run into the millions of dollars, officials said. About 35,000 customers remained without power Monday afternoon, according toAuthorities have urged families with medical needs and other people dependent on electricity to seek shelter at a facility with a generator or to leave the county altogether until power can be restored.
Authorities have not yet released much other information about the attack, including any information about who carried it out, or what the motive may have been, saying only that the investigation is ongoing. "This was a terrible act, and it appears to be an intentional, willful and malicious act. And the perpetrator will be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said state Sen. Tom McInnis, who represents Moore County.
At one of the damaged substations, located near Pinehurst, trucks carrying equipment were seen coming and going on Monday as crews worked to make repairs. County officials set up a makeshift emergency shelter in Southern Pines, where a steady stream of residents, some with children in tow, came and went Monday to charge their phones, connect to the internet and warm themselves from the cold.
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