HCM City’s Department of Culture and Sports planned to host a light show featuring 10,500 drones on the evening of May 1. This was part of activities to mark the 50th year anniversary of Reunification Day on April 30.
On April 28, the city held a rehearsal for the performance. However, due to widespread signal interference, thousands of drones lost control and became unaccounted for.
A scene from the rehearsal of 10,500 drones on April 28, captured from the café
The organisers later announced the cancellation of the show and also called on the public to help find and return the lost devices.
To help facilitate the search and retrieval of the drones, B'Blank Cafe Bistro in Thu Duc City announced plans to provide free drinks to anyone who returns lost drones. They can bring the devices to the café or the show organisers’ collection point situated about 20 metres away.
Quoc Loi, the café manager, said many people have called him to return lost drones. The café made a detailed video to guide people to the drop-off location.
"We’re deeply sympathetic to the hard work of the drone operation team, so we wanted to contribute to the efforts to recover the remaining lost drones,” Loi added.
Anyone who gives back a lost drone to the café or drops it off at the collection point can choose any free drink from the menu. The café’s drinks include coffee, smoothies, and juices, priced between VND35-69,000 each.