Private Kpa Thiep, a 20-year-old soldier, died on 20/7 after being electrocuted while saving two villagers in Gia Lai province. He had initially escaped the dangerous current but heroically returned to pull two men away from a live wire, only to be electrocuted again. Thiep was a soldier in the Guard Platoon, Staff Department, Regiment 28, Division 10, Corps 34.
The incident occurred the day after Thiep began a 12-day leave on 19/7, visiting his wife's family in Ia Ko commune. On 20/7, Thiep, his wife, and child were passing through an inter-village road in Tai Per village, Ia Ko commune. There, he observed Rmah Viet, 27, and Rah Lan HNom, 30, attempting to erect a metal pole nearly 9 meters high to bring electricity to their field for agricultural production.
Due to a lack of manpower, HNom asked Thiep for assistance. Thiep agreed to help, while his wife stood about 5 meters away, holding their child. As the three men were erecting the pole, its top accidentally made contact with a medium voltage power line, electrocuting all three.
Thiep initially broke free from the current. However, upon seeing the other two men still caught in the live wire, he immediately returned to rescue them. He successfully pulled both men from the dangerous area but was electrocuted a second time and lost consciousness.
Thiep's wife cried for help, and along with other villagers, quickly transported all three to the Ia Ko Commune Medical Station for emergency treatment. The two rescued individuals are now in stable condition, but Private Thiep did not survive. On 22/7, Corps 34 confirmed that the Gia Lai Provincial Forensic Center determined Private Kpa Thiep died from electrocution, which caused ventricular fibrillation and acute heart failure; his body showed no external injuries.
In recognition of his bravery, the People's Committee of Chu Se commune, where Thiep's family resides, presented him with a certificate of commendation for his courageous act of saving lives. The People's Committee of Ia Ko commune, the site of the incident, has proposed that competent authorities posthumously award him a certificate of merit. The unit is also coordinating to resolve benefits and policies for the soldier according to regulations.
The Commander of Division 10 also signed a decision to posthumously promote Kpa Thiep from private to sergeant, citing his "selfless courage in saving those in distress."
Ngoc Oanh
