Vietnamese kids rescued from floodwater by private drone

THE HANOI TIMES – Two children were rescued from the flood that swept through Ia Tul Commune in Gia Lai, a province in the central highlands.

On July 3, a two-minute video went viral showing 35-year-old Tran Van Nghia using a large agricultural drone to rescue the children.

Video from the scene capturing Nghia using a drone to rescue two children. Video: Gia Lai Di

He flew the drone with a rope over the flooded river and guided it to the children, pulling them to safety one by one.

The incident occurred around noon, while Nghia was working near Ben Mong Bridge and heard cries for help.

Several adults had tried to reach the children, but the strong current overwhelmed them.

Nghia quickly tied a sturdy rope to his drone, which is typically used for spraying crops, and launched the daring rescue.

The footage quickly amassed millions of views online, with netizens praising his courage, ingenuity, and quick thinking.

The DJI T50 drone, worth VND300 million (US$11,500), is an expensive device for a farmer. But for Nghia, human life came first.

"Machines can be replaced. Lives can’t,” he told local media.

The two kids remained safe and sound, and their health was stable.

His actions are a powerful example of everyday heroism, where technology, resourcefulness, and compassion come together to save lives.