A rural village in China experienced a ten-hour power outage after a farmer’s unconventional attempt to transport livestock by drone went awry. The incident, which occurred on in Tongjiang county, Sichuan province, involved a drone becoming entangled in high-voltage power lines while carrying a pig.
The farmer, whose identity remains undisclosed, explained that the challenging mountainous terrain surrounding his village makes traditional methods of livestock transport impractical. He opted to use a drone to airlift his pigs to a slaughterhouse, hoping to circumvent the difficulties posed by the region’s geography. According to reports, he had planned to transport more than ten pigs that day, but the operation was halted after the first attempt resulted in the power cut.
Video footage circulating online depicts the drone suspended in mid-air, its tether caught in the power lines, with the pig hanging below. Residents of the village were left without electricity for ten hours while authorities worked to resolve the situation. The farmer attributed the incident to poor visibility, stating, “It was his mistake because it was still dark and visibility was poor at the time.”
A team of twelve workers from the local power supply company was dispatched to untangle the drone and repair the damaged lines. The operation cost approximately 10,000 yuan (roughly £1,100), according to officials. Power was fully restored to the village by on the day of the incident.
Local police are investigating the incident, focusing on potential legal violations. Authorities suspect the farmer of operating a drone in a restricted airspace and exceeding the device’s maximum weight capacity. An officer stated, “We are still collecting evidence. If he is confirmed to have breached the law, he will face an administrative punishment and need to compensate for electricity equipment losses.”
The incident highlights the growing, and sometimes unforeseen, challenges associated with the increasing use of drone technology. While drones offer potential solutions for logistical problems in remote areas, their operation requires careful consideration of safety regulations and potential hazards. China’s Ministry of Public Security recently emphasized concerns over illegal drone use, signaling a broader effort to regulate the rapidly expanding drone industry.
This unusual incident comes amid other reports of unconventional activity in China. Just weeks prior, a seaside town in New Zealand experienced protests related to what locals described as “Chinese bucket people” stripping their beaches of wildlife, demonstrating a growing tension over resource management and environmental concerns. Locals reported groups systematically harvesting shellfish and other marine species, prompting the town to post signage in Mandarin requesting visitors to respect the local ecosystem.
The case of the drone-carried pig underscores the complexities of balancing innovation with responsible implementation, particularly in rural and geographically challenging regions. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations when utilizing emerging technologies like drones, even in seemingly straightforward agricultural applications. The investigation is ongoing, and the farmer faces potential fines and compensation demands as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and any regulatory breaches.
The incident also raises questions about the broader implications of drone technology in agriculture and logistics. While drones offer a potentially efficient solution for transporting goods in remote areas, the risks associated with their operation – including power outages, damage to infrastructure, and potential harm to wildlife – must be carefully considered. As drone technology becomes more accessible and widespread, the need for clear regulations and robust safety measures will only become more pressing.
