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

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.