Drone lifts pig, causes 10-hour power outage

Unusual Incident in China: Drone Carrying Pigs Causes Power Outage

In a bizarre incident that captured the attention of social media, a farmer in southern China caused a 10-hour power outage after using a drone to transport pigs. The unusual event took place in Tongjiang county, Sichuan province, and involved a drone getting entangled with a power line, leaving one pig stranded mid-air.

The incident occurred on January 24 in the early hours of the morning. According to reports, the farmer was attempting to move pigs from his mountainous village to a slaughterhouse. He used a drone for this task due to the challenges of transporting livestock by vehicle in the rugged terrain.

As the first pig was being lifted down the mountain, the rope attached to the drone became caught on a high-voltage cable. This led to the animal being stuck in mid-air, causing a disruption in the power supply. The local power supply authority confirmed that the entanglement resulted in a blackout lasting approximately 10 hours.

To address the issue, twelve workers were sent to repair the damaged power line. The cost of repairs was estimated at around 10,000 yuan (approximately RM6,700), and electricity was restored by 5pm the same day.

Farmer Faces Possible Penalties

Police investigations into the incident revealed that the farmer may have violated regulations by operating the drone in a no-fly zone and overloading the device. Authorities are still collecting evidence and have indicated that the farmer could face administrative penalties if found at fault. Additionally, he may be required to compensate for any damage caused to the equipment.

This unusual event quickly spread across Chinese social media platforms, where users shared humorous comments about the situation. One user joked, “When they brought the pig down, was it already cooked from the electric shock?” Another quipped, “This pig shot to fame before its death — the definition of a flying pig.”

Rise in Drone Usage and Related Incidents

Agricultural drones are increasingly used in rural areas of China, especially in mountainous regions where traditional transportation methods can be challenging. However, incidents involving drones are not rare. In 2024 alone, Sichuan recorded more than 40 cases of illegal drone operations, leading to injuries and damage to property and power lines.

In a separate incident last October, a farmer in central Hubei province lost his thumb after being struck by a runaway drone. A court later ordered the drone owner to pay 140,000 yuan (about US$20,000) in compensation.

Lessons Learned from the Incident

This event highlights the potential risks associated with the use of drones in agricultural settings. While drones offer convenience and efficiency, their operation must be carefully managed to avoid accidents and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Farmers and operators must be aware of no-fly zones and the weight limits of their devices. Moreover, regular maintenance and proper training are essential to prevent such incidents from occurring.

As drone technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for both users and authorities to work together to create safer environments for their use. This includes implementing stricter regulations, increasing public awareness, and providing adequate training for those who operate these devices.

The case of the pig suspended in mid-air serves as a reminder that even the most innovative technologies can lead to unexpected consequences if not handled responsibly. It also underscores the importance of balancing technological advancement with safety and regulatory compliance.