In a rural area of Zunyi city, Quy Chau province, a family hired an industrial drone on 5/3 to transport a coffin for burial. This unusual measure became necessary after nine consecutive days of rain rendered the mountain path dangerously muddy and slippery, making the traditional method of human-powered coffin carrying unsafe.
Yang, the drone operator, stated that he initially avoided requests involving spiritual elements. However, recognizing the high demand in Zunyi, he decided to pivot and offer professional drone services for such tasks.
To lift the nearly half-ton coffin, Yang utilized a modified 6-axis industrial drone. The operation required a three-person team: two pilots for flight control and one supervisor monitoring the route. The service cost 10,000 CNY (1,450 USD) per flight.
According to Yang, drone coffin transport services are flourishing in mountainous provinces like Yunnan, Quy Chau, and Sichuan. "Many people are entering this field, and competition is intense," he noted.
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An unmanned aerial vehicle transports a coffin weighing nearly 500 kg up a mountain for burial in Zunyi city, Quy Chau province on 5/3. Photo: @Haibaonews |
The video, showing the massive drone suspending the coffin as it flew over steep mountain slopes, garnered significant attention on Chinese social media. While the application of technology in funerals received some mixed opinions, most internet users supported it. Many viewed this as an example of "technology for humanity", simultaneously fulfilling the family's wishes and ensuring the safety of the porters.
Some comments humorously suggested that the image of a coffin flying through the air evoked the auspicious phrase "thang quan phat tai" (promotion and prosperity), implying good fortune for the family.
Minh Phuong (According to Worldjournal)
