UK reported defects on collapsed power lines in the Murmansk region

The power transmission lines that collapsed in the Murmansk region had technical defects, but they continued to be allowed to operate during maintenance. This was reported on February 10 in the Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the region.

"The power transmission lines have defects, but they meet the requirements of the operational documentation and are allowed to operate when carrying out the appropriate set of technical measures," the agency said in a message on the MAX messenger.

A criminal case has been opened on the fact of negligence that caused the shutdown of energy consumers in Murmansk and Severomorsk. It was established that on January 23, 2026, between 4:00 and 3:00 p.m., at a distance of about 7 km from Murmansk in the direction of Severomorsk-3, five intermediate single-chain transmission towers collapsed on guy rods.

Two poles have been in operation since 1966, two more since 1982, and one since 1988. With a standard service life of 40 years, power transmission lines and their supports are subject to technical inspection every five years. The timing and quality of the examinations carried out are checked by the investigation.

Investigators of the Department for the investigation of particularly important cases and employees of the criminology department are conducting inspections of the scene with the participation of explosives experts and experts in the field of energy. Flushes and cutouts from electrical equipment have been removed.

During the visual inspection, there were no signs of external influence of third parties on the power transmission poles. In addition, technical documentation containing information on the maintenance and maintenance of power transmission lines, as well as on persons responsible for their safe operation, was seized in the premises of the network organization. A complex of forensic examinations has been appointed, and interrogations of officials, including the director of the regional branch of the network organization, are continuing.

Around the world: SF proposed criminal punishment for unauthorized connection to the power grid

The measure will help in the fight against illegal mining

Five power transmission towers collapsed in the Murmansk region on January 24. The connection of water supply and healthcare facilities was promptly ensured. Electricity supply restrictions were introduced in some localities of the Murmansk region.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.