In a recently viral video on Chinese social media, a delivery rider was caught jumping off a bridge to save a drowning woman.
In a black T-shirt and pants, the man was seen holding a rail on Xixing Bridge, a 12-meter-high bridge, before throwing himself into the river.
He swam toward the woman as soon as he emerged from the water before holding her and taking her to the nearest pier for safety.
A few moments later, an emergency lifeboat, called by onlookers, was seen driving furiously toward the two and picking them up.
According to China Daily, 31-year-old Peng Qinglin said, “I was on my way to deliver an order, riding my e-bike across the bridge. He had received his first order of the day when he heard the call for help.
Without much hesitation, Peng took off his glasses and shoes, laid down his phone, and jumped into the river.
“Of course I was a little frightened, because the bridge looked so high. But she was being swallowed by the river.”
“The first words Peng uttered after he and the drowning woman were put safely on land were, in fact, ‘my delivery is going to be late,'” recalled an unnamed police officer who helped with the rescue effort.
Fortunately, his client was very understanding and forgiving, even if the order was eventually delivered more than 10 minutes later than the required time.
Despite insisting he was fine, Peng was taken to the hospital and was found to have suffered from a compression fracture in the spine. While no surgery is needed, Peng has to be hospitalised for seven to 10 days.
“The height and the way in which he jumped into the river means he endured a huge impact from the water,” explained Zhang Wei, president of Zhejiang Xinhua Hospital, where Peng is receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, for his bravery and selflessness, Hangzhou police authorities awarded Peng the “Good Samaritan” title and a cash prize of 30,000 yuan (RM19,416).
The delivery company that Peng works for has also presented him with a cash award of 50,000 yuan (RM32,360) and the opportunity to study in college for free.
“I’m just a delivery guy like many others. If I meet someone in danger, I will definitely extend a helping hand.”
According to Chengshi, an Hangzhou-based paper Dushi Kuaibao subsidiary, the rescued woman admitted wanting to end her life because “life’s stresses were too overwhelming.”
She also cried, saying she never expected anyone to come to save her, and expressed her gratitude to Peng, who had “snatched her back from the jaws of hell” and “given her a new lease on life.”
Kudos to Peng for his quick action resulting in saving the woman’s life. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Also read: 16yo M’sian Gets Stuck in a Swing, Abang BOMBA Comes to Her Rescue
