Vietnam's Sacombank writes off $64,500 debt for couple who died from electrocution
Sacombank has waived a VND1.7 billion (US$64,500) debt owed by the parents of two brothers who died in last month’s electric shock accident in Da Nang in central Vietnam, allowing the children to keep their family home.
Le Viet Hong Anh, son of Le Ngoc Tuan, one of the couple who died in an electric shock accident in Da Nang, visits Sacombank to request a freeze on his parents' VND1.7 billion ($64,500) debt. Photo: Tran Thuong / Tuoi Tre
The bank announced the decision on Saturday after reviewing the circumstances of brothers Le Viet Hong Anh and L.V.H.P., who are still of school age and have no income to support themselves.
Sacombank said the decision would help the two brothers retain their family's only home and reflected the bank's social responsibility.
Their parents, Le Ngoc Tuan and Ngo Thi Thanh, died in an electric shock accident, leaving behind the two children.
According to Sacombank, the couple had an outstanding debt of about VND1.7 billion ($64,500) at its Quang Nam branch, including credit card debt.
The loan had previously been covered by insurance but the coverage was discontinued after the first year.
The family home was used as collateral, and the loan had become overdue.
After learning of the accident, representatives of Sacombank's Quang Nam branch visited the family, offered condolences and provided VND10 million ($380) to help cover funeral expenses.
After reviewing the brothers' circumstances, the bank decided to waive all debt obligations of Tuan and Thanh, allowing Hong Anh and his younger brother to keep the house.
Nguyen Van Sam, director of Sacombank's Quang Nam branch, said the decision was made out of sympathy for the brothers following the loss of their parents.
"No pain is greater than losing a loved one, especially the people who gave you life and were your support," Sam said.
"The two brothers still have a long future ahead of them. We hope our support, together with that from other donors, will give them the motivation to continue their studies and rebuild their lives."
Sacombank's Quang Nam branch will inform the brothers of the decision and assist the family with procedures to complete the debt waiver.
On July 30, Le Ngoc Tuan, 45, was electrocuted while repairing a metal roof.
When his wife, Ngo Thi Thanh, 39, tried to rescue him, she was also electrocuted and died.
The couple died within minutes, leaving behind an elderly mother and two sons.
The older son is a second-year student at the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports, while the younger son is in fifth grade.
The family had already been facing financial difficulties.
After losing his job and struggling with bank debt and the cost of supporting his children, Tuan had decided to sell the two-story house the couple had spent years saving to build.
The buyer had paid a VND200 million ($7,600) deposit and was expected to receive the house in early August.
The house had been mortgaged to secure the VND1.7 billion ($64,500) bank loan.
The Ky - Tran Thuong / Tuoi Tre News
Link nội dung: https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnams-sacombank-writes-off-64500-debt-for-brothers-who-lost-parents-103260823091942931.htm