Blackouts for 16,500 people after ship tears down power lines

By Hoang Nam June 12, 2023 | 10:21 pm PT

Cut power lines can be seen after a vessel tore them down as it crossed the Tien River in Tien Giang Province, June 12, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Nam An

A ship tore down four power lines across a river in the Mekong Delta’s Tien Giang Province, causing blackouts on Monday.

The Truong An 125 vessel on the Tien River was approaching the Tan Phong-Hiep Duc Port at around 8 a.m. when it entangled itself with electric wires and fiber cables of Viettel and VNPT telecommunication service providers.

Over 3,500 families with 16,500 people in Cai Lay District suffered from blackouts as a result. Property damage was estimated to be at around VND500 million ($21,300). Authorities said the consequences of the incident would take around seven days to be resolved.

Nguyen Van Muoi, chairman of Tan Phong Commune People’s Committee, said power units would temporarily use a power line across the river to restore electricity for locals.