In Caponago, Italy, an unexpected four‑day internet outage crippled residents after a fox trapped in an open manhole damaged fiber‑optic cable.
Unexpected outage paralyzes town
The outage abruptly stopped internet access in homes, the municipal office, and local businesses, halting official affairs and business operations across Caponago. Five thousand residents lost connectivity for four days as technicians struggled to find the root cause.
Surprising discovery by technicians
After intensive searching, specialists discovered an open telecommunications manhole at a highway exit. Inside was a trapped fox and fragments of a bitten fiber‑optic cable. The animal was released and technicians immediately began repairs.
Authorities promise explanations
The municipal office said the fox fell into an unsecured opening lacking a cover. Officials will investigate why the manhole was unsecured and who is responsible. The outage was resolved, and residents regained internet access, though some are seeking compensation for losses, as reported by Corriere della Sera.
