A two-year-old boy in Chongqing, China, has defied the odds by surviving a plunge from a 20th-floor balcony, astonishing both medical experts and emergency responders. The incident occurred at around 8am on 19 June, when the boy, referred to by the pseudonym Qiang Qiang, was left alone momentarily by his grandmother, who believed he was asleep and stepped out briefly.
Tragedy struck when Qiang Qiang woke up and somehow fell from the high-rise apartment. Miraculously, his fall was cushioned by a tree and a bush below, which helped to slow his descent and likely saved his life. Despite sustaining multiple fractures and internal injuries, he was stabilised thanks to the quick actions of people nearby.
Local security personnel and law enforcement officers played a crucial role in ensuring Qiang Qiang received immediate medical attention, highlighting the importance of community vigilance in urban safety.
Heroic Dash to Save the Child’s Life
According to reports, a 50-year-old security guard at the residential compound was the first to respond after an emergency notification was received at 8:47am. He found the grandmother clutching her injured grandson and immediately decided not to wait for an ambulance, opting instead to carry the boy to the nearest hospital.
The hospital was located 800 metres away, and the security guard ran with the child as far as he could. After covering approximately 600 metres, he encountered a police officer on patrol. Without hesitation, the officer took over and sprinted the remaining distance to the hospital, managing to get the child there by 8:57am — just 16 minutes after the initial fall.
Their rapid response was vital to ensuring the boy reached medical specialists in time, a factor praised by hospital staff who took over upon the child’s arrival.
Doctors Credit Quick Actions for Boy’s Survival
Medical professionals at Chongqing’s children’s hospital revealed that upon arrival, Qiang Qiang’s condition was critical. The child was semi-conscious, had abnormal pupil responses, and dangerously low blood oxygen levels. Emergency teams worked tirelessly to stabilise him, providing urgent treatment for his injuries.
Physicians credited Qiang Qiang’s survival not only to the cushioning effect of the tree and bush but also to his light bodyweight, which likely reduced the severity of the impact. Specialists are continuing follow-up care, closely monitoring his recovery in the days ahead.
This incident has sparked renewed discussions in China about child safety in high-rise living environments, with calls for parents and caregivers to remain extra vigilant. Experts urge families residing in tall buildings to install secure window and balcony barriers to prevent similar near-tragedies in the future.