An extraordinary incident unfolded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Tuesday afternoon, which has captivated Chinese social media users. A remarkable video has gone viral, showcasing a deliveryman’s courageous act of saving a woman from drowning by leaping off a high bridge.
In the footage, the deliveryman, dressed in a black T-shirt and black pants, can be seen gripping a railing on Xixing Bridge. This significant bridge spans the iconic Qiantang River and stands at a height of 12 meters. After a brief moment of preparation, the deliveryman fearlessly plunges into the river below.
Without hesitation, he swiftly swims toward the struggling woman, emerging from the water and grasping her, before guiding her to the nearest pier for safety.
Shortly thereafter, prompted by onlookers, an emergency lifeboat races toward the pair, ultimately rescuing them.
On seeing a woman drowning in river, Peng Qinglin, a takeaway rider in Hangzhou, E China's Zhejiang, jumped off 10-meter-high bridge without hesitation. All respects. #hero #lifesaver #China pic.twitter.com/Usgo5i17rU
— The Tide (@TideNewsZJ) June 14, 2023
The brave deliveryman, identified as Peng Qinglin, 31 years old, shared his account of the incident. “I was on the way to deliver an order, riding my bike across the bridge,” Peng recounted. It was during this routine that he heard the desperate cries for help.
Peng wasted no time. He removed his glasses and shoes, placed his phone aside, and took the plunge into the river. In a widely circulated video interview, he admitted to being somewhat frightened by the bridge’s imposing height but emphasized the urgency of the situation. “She was being swallowed by the river,” Peng explained.
Originally from Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, Peng has been working as a deliveryman in Hangzhou for over a year. His typical workday starts at 10 am and extends into the early hours of the following day.
Recalling the moment Peng and the drowning woman were safely rescued, an unnamed police officer shared, “The first words he uttered were about his delivery being late.” The officer commended Peng’s commitment to his job, as even during such a critical event, he remained mindful of his responsibility.
Fortunately, the client was understanding and forgiving, despite the order arriving over 10 minutes past the expected time.
Upon viewing the video on a WeChat public account, one netizen expressed admiration, commenting, “What a hero!” The post swiftly garnered approximately 40,000 likes within a couple of hours.
Although Peng initially insisted he was unharmed, he was taken to the hospital the following morning. Medical examinations revealed a compression fracture in his spine, resulting from the impact of his jump into the water. While surgery is not necessary, Peng will need to remain hospitalized for seven to ten days.
Zhang Wei, president of Zhejiang Xinhua Hospital, provided insight into the incident, explaining the severity of Peng’s injuries. “Due to the height from which he leaped into the river, the impact upon entering the water was considerable,” Zhang stated.
Recognizing Peng’s bravery and selflessness, the Hangzhou police authorities honored him with the title of “Good Samaritan” and awarded him a cash prize of 30,000 yuan ($4,200). Additionally, the delivery company Peng works for presented him with a cash award of 50,000 yuan and offered him the opportunity to pursue a college education free of charge.
Modestly, Peng remarked, “I’m just an ordinary delivery guy, like many others. If I encounter someone in danger, I will undoubtedly extend a helping hand.”