Ho Chi Minh City investigates death of 15-year-old suspected of electrocution in flooded 'backpacker area'

An official confirmed Sunday morning that the young man who was suspected of being electrocuted while wading through flooded De Tham Street in the backpacker area on Saturday night has died.

The People’s Committee of Cau Ong Lanh Ward told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the official cause of death has not yet been determined, as investigations are still underway.

The victim came from a disadvantaged family.

Following the incident, representatives from the ward visited the boy’s home to offer condolences and support to his family members.

According to a resident living in Alley 145 off De Tham Street, the incident occurred at around 8:00 pm on Saturday, when floodwaters were still deep in the area.

The witness reported seeing a young man suddenly collapse, apparently after being electrocuted.

Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation stated that the suspected electrical leak may have originated from a household connection point rather than from public electrical infrastructure.

The corporation said its teams are cooperating with local authorities to look into the source of the leak.

The power company said that all electrical cabinets managed by the firm are automated and equipped with safety mechanisms that cut power in case of a malfunction.

On Saturday night, the utility confirmed that all systems in the flooded area were operating normally, with no recorded faults.

Earlier that day, power staff were instructed to proactively shut off electricity in flood-prone areas across Ho Chi Minh City to prevent accidents during heavy rainfall and rising waters.