Chinese Man, Zhang Ke, Saves Three Lives in Car Crash Incident; Netizens Praise Heroic Act but Express Concern for Father's Emotional Wellbeing

A heroic act by a 26-year-old man named Zhang Ke has left many people in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province in shock. On his way to work, Zhang discovered a car sinking into a river with three people trapped inside. Without hesitation, he parked by the side of the road and jumped into the water, saving the stranded individuals.

Background Image

3 November 2023

Zhang's father was in the same car but could not swim, so he stayed on shore to respond to the emergency situation. The selfless act of Zhang has sparked intense emotions among netizens on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat. While many have praised his courage, others have expressed concern for his father's feelings and wellbeing.

One user wrote, "Is Zhang Koko considering the feelings of his father?! When you dive beneath the water, how heartbreaking and desperate would his father be?" Another user echoed similar sentiments, stating, "People can't be too self-centered. Between father-son love, is Zhang Ko Ko selfless?"

The incident has also drawn attention to the recent National Health Commission's recommended health industry standard for childcare institutions. The standard emphasizes the assessment of operational conditions, childcare teams, medical care, and safety guarantees in such institutions. However, it is unclear if any direct connection exists between this incident and the new standard.

As the news spread, many netizens expressed their admiration for Zhang's heroic act but also sympathized with his father's pain. Some users wrote, "Oh no, how painful this father must be," and "Mixed emotions … Although it is a hero to save three lives, how desperate the father must be, watching his son saved others while sinking himself."

In addition to the emotional distress expressed by netizens, some also shared advice on what to do in similar emergencies. One user advised, "It takes only a short time from the car sinking to being completely submerged. What should be done in such case? It's important to have correct escape methods and follow the fire fighting and emergency officers for reference!"

This heroic incident has brought attention to water safety and emergency response practices, urging people to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle such situations. As the story of Zhang's selfless act continues to spread, the common sentiment among netizens is a mix of admiration for his courage and concern for his father's emotional wellbeing. The incident has also sparked discussions on the importance of prioritizing the safety of others over one's own life, making it a resonant theme across Chinese social media platforms.