Five workers killed in Thanh Hoa pig farm accident

Photo courtesy of VNA/Vietnam News / Thanh Tuan

Five workers have died and two others were injured after an electrical accident at a pig farm in Thanh Hoa province, prompting Vietnam's Ministry of Home Affairs to order an urgent investigation and a wider review of workplace safety.

The accident happened at about 5.30pm on Saturday at a farm operated by DABACO Thanh Hoa Co., Ltd in Truong Giang Hamlet, Thach Quang Commune.

According to the ministry, worker Bui Van Ve was carrying out electrical repairs in a manure filtration pit when he suffered an electric shock and fell inside.

Rescue attempt ends in further casualties

Truong Van Lam and several other workers entered the pit in an attempt to rescue him. Several of those involved then showed signs of asphyxiation before being pulled out and taken to hospital.

Five people were killed and two were injured. The ministry has asked the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee to speed up its investigation, establish the cause of the accident and determine responsibility. Any violations identified are to be dealt with under the law.

Provincial authorities were also instructed to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment and that support is provided to the victims' families. Statutory benefits and entitlements must be arranged for the victims and their next of kin.

Nationwide safety review ordered

The ministry called for stronger inspections of occupational safety and hygiene across Thanh Hoa, particularly at production facilities considered to carry a high level of risk. Businesses have been told to review hazards, strengthen controls and communicate lessons from the accident to workers.

DABACO Vietnam Group was instructed to ensure the Thanh Hoa company cooperates fully with investigators, deals with the aftermath and pays compensation and other legal benefits promptly.

The group must also conduct a comprehensive safety review across its subsidiaries. The order specifically highlights farms, waste-treatment areas, repair and maintenance work, electrical systems, confined spaces and other high-risk operations.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

The case does not involve a public travel warning, but it is relevant to foreign managers, investors, contractors and employees connected with Vietnam's agricultural and industrial sectors.

The official response puts renewed focus on electrical repairs, confined spaces, waste treatment and emergency rescue procedures. Foreign-linked businesses operating or commissioning work in these environments should ensure local sites have clear safety controls, staff training and emergency plans, while meeting Vietnam's workplace obligations.

22 July 2026