A large-scale theft was committed at the Drachevo traction substation, located between the Lisiche and Drachevo railway stations, causing the complete destruction of a significant part of the electrical equipment of the railway infrastructure, informed the Macedonian Railways Infrastructure on Saturday.
According to the initial estimate, the direct material damage amounts to EUR 5 million.
During the theft, two large electrical transformers, each weighing over 30 tons, were forcibly overturned. The transformer oil was drained and spilled from the transformers, while the copper windings and other valuable components were completely removed and stolen.
Copper wires, copper rails and rods were stolen from the substation, as well as practically all devices and elements necessary for its operation.
“This event does not just represent the theft of copper and equipment, but a serious attack on critical railway infrastructure and on the property of the state and citizens. Damage to facilities of this type can cause serious consequences for the safety, stability and regular functioning of railway traffic,” said the Macedonian Railways Infrastructure.
