Teen reportedly electrocuted while crossing flooded street in Ho Chi Minh City

By Giang Anh, Dinh Van November 9, 2025 | 11:56 pm PT

Police in Ho Chi Minh City are investigating a case in which a 15-year-old boy was reportedly electrocuted and died while walking through a flooded street in the city downtown on Saturday night.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Nov. 8, when high tides combined with heavy rain caused flooding on the street.

Witnesses said the boy suddenly collapsed while walking near a low-voltage electrical cabinet and a metal fence. Bystanders who tried to help reported feeling an electric shock from the water and did not dare to approach.

The area where the victim fell unconscious is being investigated. Photo by local people

An area on De Tham Street, HCMC, where a boy fell unconscious walking in floodwater on Nov. 8, 2025. Photo by local people

Authorities were called to the scene, cut the power, and rushed the boy to hospital, but he did not survive. Police cordoned off a roughly 100-meter section of the road amid concerns about electrical leak.

Power was restored to the area by around 11 p.m. after electricity staff inspected and resolved the issue.

Some residents near the scene said they had previously felt mild shocks when crossing the same flooded spot but had not reported it, thinking it was a minor electrical issue.

The outlet mounted on the fence of the convenience store is suspected of leaking electricity into the flooded area. Photo by Minh Bang

The outlet mounted on the fence of a convenience store is suspected of leaking electricity into the flooded De Tham Street in HCMC on Nov. 8, 2025. Photo by Minh Bang

Representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation said an initial inspection found the electrical cabinet was not leaking.

However, they found that the nearby metal fence in front of a convenience store showed signs of carrying electricity.

Police are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fatal incident.