Paraglider gets caught in power lines, forces blackout in northern Vietnam

By Gia Chinh October 20, 2024 | 08:43 pm PT

A paraglider attempting an unauthorized jump in northern Hoa Binh Province became entangled in power lines on Sunday, forcing a power cut for an entire commune to rescue him.

The incident occurred at around 12:15 p.m. when the man jumped from a hill 650 m high in Hoa Binh City. As he prepared to land, he got trapped in 35 kV power lines, leaving him suspended about 20 meters above the ground.

A parachute jumper gets caught in the power lines in Hoa Binh, October 20, 2024. Photo provided to VnExpress

A paraglider gets caught in the power lines in Hoa Binh Province in northern Vietnam, Oct. 20, 2024. Photo provided to VnExpress

Local residents quickly alerted authorities, prompting the suspension of power supply throughout Quang Tien Commune to ensure the man's safe rescue.

By 2 p.m., the man was safely brought down, and power was restored to the area by 3 p.m.

According to Dinh Thi Bich Dam, deputy head of the Hoa Binh Department of Culture and Information, the man had not received official approval for the jump.