Here’s another ethical issue and Jewish source response:

Case

In 1974 a big wind knocked down a bunch of power lines in Jerusalem.  The wire was live and carried a lot of current. If someone touched one of the lines, he or she would probably die.  On Saturday morning many Jerusalemites would be leaving their homes in order to go to shul or to soccer games. They would be visiting family and friends – all the things that people do on Shabbat.  At the power company a big argument commenced. Some people said that the power lines had to be fixed during Shabbat in order to keep people safe. Other people said that the power lines could not be fixed until after Shabbat.

Answer

[a] In the Talmud, Yoma 85b, we learn that the rabbis once kindled a fire on Shabbat to save Hillel’s life.  Hillel had been frozen on the roof all night. They taught, “Better to break one Shabbat so that he can live to observe many Shabbatot.”  The basic rule is then taught, “Pikuach nefesh” (saving a life) is a good enough reason for breaking Shabbat.

[b] When the power cable actually went down Rabbi Joshua Neuwirth argued, “Fix it right away – make sure everyone is safe.”

[c] Rabbi Pinha Epstein argued, “Have guards stand until the end of Shabbat, keeping people safe until then.  Then fix it.”

Joel Grishaver, “You Be the Judge”, pgs. 114-115

Used with permission from Joel Grishaver