Deadly Electric Rat Traps Spark Safety Concerns in Hai Phong

Hai Phong, Vietnam – A disturbing trend of fatal accidents linked to the use of electric current for trapping rats has cast a shadow over Hai Phong city. Since the beginning of 2026, the local police have reported numerous such incidents, raising serious public concern about this dangerous practice.

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The act of setting up electric traps for rats that results in death can be prosecuted as 'murder' or 'involuntary manslaughter,' depending on the nature, extent, and awareness of the perpetrator.

The most recent tragedy occurred between 8 and 9 PM on April 17, when Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Nhat, a 66-year-old resident, was electrocuted while tending to his rice paddy. He was using a metal wire, a battery, and an electric shock device to trap rats. Tragically, Ms. N.T.T., a 64-year-old woman from the same village, accidentally stepped on the wire while crossing Mr. Nhat's field, resulting in her immediate death.

This incident is not isolated. Between February 20 and 23, Hai Phong witnessed two similar cases that claimed the lives of three people due to the use of electricity for trapping rats and fish. The Criminal Police Department of Hai Phong City Police emphasized that intentionally or unintentionally causing death through such methods can lead to criminal charges, including homicide or involuntary manslaughter, depending on the specifics of the case.

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Whether intentional or unintentional, cases of using electricity to trap rats that cause death leave severe consequences and seriously affect security and order.

Authorities are issuing stern warnings, urging the public to completely refrain from using electric traps under any circumstances. They advocate for safer, environmentally friendly methods such as mechanical traps, approved rat poisons, or biological control measures. The municipal People's Committee has directed all communes and wards to intensify public awareness campaigns and conduct strict crackdowns on the illegal use of electric shock devices for pest control, aiming to prevent further loss of life and maintain public order.

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The public security agency recommends that people absolutely do not use electricity to trap rats in any form.