In a viral video on Chinese social media, Peng Qinglin is seen holding on to the railing of Xixing Bridge before taking a plunge into the water. - SCREENGRABS FROM DAILY CHINESE NEWS OFFICIAL/YOUTUBE
BEIJING (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): A food delivery rider was rewarded with 80,000 yuan (US$11,000) and a scholarship after he jumped 12m off a bridge to save a drowning woman in Hangzhou, China.
In a video that has gone viral on Chinese social media, Peng Qinglin is seen holding on to the railing of Xixing Bridge that stretches across the Qiantang River, before taking a plunge into the water.
The 31-year-old man swims towards a woman who is flailing in the water, reaches out for her arm and manages to take her near what appears to be a mounted ladder.
An emergency rescue boat later appears, and rescuers bring them aboard to safety.
China Daily reported that the incident took place on Tuesday (June 13).
In a video interview with Chinese broadcaster CCTV, a police officer said the woman survived the ordeal and is currently in the hospital for observation.
The hero, Peng, a delivery rider with Chinese food delivery giant Meituan, told Chinese publication The Paper that he was riding his e-bike across the bridge to deliver an order when he was alerted to the drowning woman by onlookers.
He proceeded to prepare to jump off the bridge to save her.
“I was definitely frightened because the bridge looked so high, but I didn’t think too much of it, as I just wanted to save her,” said Peng.
A police officer who was at scene was quoted by The Paper as saying that the first words Mr Peng uttered after he returned to dry land was “my delivery is going to be late”.
Peng, a Hunan native, felt pain in his buttocks and waist after the rescue and went to Zhejiang Xinhua Hospital a day later, where doctors discovered a compression fracture in his spine.
No surgery was required but doctors reportedly advised he be hospitalised for seven to 10 days.
The Hangzhou police rewarded Peng for his heroism with the “First Class Public Security Honor Medal” and a cash prize of 30,000 yuan, while Meituan gave him 50,0000 yuan and the opportunity to study in college for free.
“I’m just a delivery guy like many others,” said Peng.
“If I meet someone in danger, I will definitely lend a helping hand.”
