Two retired soldiers rescued a trapped excavator driver after the pond plunge in southern China.

The CCTV footage was filmed in Chongqing on September 26.

A heavy excavator accidentally plummeted into a pond, leaving its operator trapped underwater. In a dire moment, two retired soldiers stepped forward.

Reports indicate that around 5:30 pm that day, a local villager named Li Chaobing was operating the excavator when disaster struck. Brakes and steering malfunctioned, rendering the heavy machine uncontrollable as it plunged into a roadside pond.

The excavator overturned beneath the water, with one side's door pressed against the ground, making it impossible to open. Despite his swimming abilities, Li Chaobing found himself trapped in the confined space of the driver's cabin.

At this critical juncture, two employees of the local gas company, both veterans, Liao Xuedong and Zhou Xianzhong, happened to be passing by and witnessed the scene. They sprang into action.

Without hesitation, Liao Xuedong and Zhou Xianzhong quickly removed their pants and leaped into the pond. They immediately dove into the water to rescue the trapped operator.

According to Zhou Xianzhong, the pond had a depth of approximately 2-3 meters, and after the excavator plunged in, only part of its tires remained above the surface. He and Liao Xuedong wasted no time, as they raced to save the operator. They disregarded their phones, keys, and personal belongings, diving into the water to help.

Underwater, Zhou Xianzhong, Liao Xuedong, and Li Chaobing attempted three times before successfully forcing open the door, ultimately pulling Li Chaobing out of the driver's cabin. At this point, Li Chaobing's face had turned a pallid shade.

After ensuring Li Chaobing was safe, Zhou Xianzhong and Liao Xuedong left the scene without fanfare.

These two kind-hearted individuals who saved a life did not seek recognition for their heroic act. It wasn't until October 10 that Li Chaobing, brimming with gratitude, presented a banner to the local gas company, allowing everyone to learn of this remarkable incident. Liao Xuedong and Zhou Xianzhong both emphasized that it was merely their duty to help in such a situation.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

9月26日，重庆荣昌区吴家镇十烈村附近公路边，发生了惊心动魄的一幕，一辆重型铲车不慎坠入池塘，驾驶员被困水底无法脱身！危急时刻，两名退伍军人挺身而出。

据了解，当日下午5点半左右，当地村民李朝兵驾驶铲车行驶过程中，突然遭遇刹车失灵、方向失灵，铲车不受控制，一头载进了公路边的池塘。

铲车侧翻在水底，一侧车门紧贴地面，另一侧车门则怎么也打不开。虽说自己水性不错，但被困在驾驶室狭小空间里的李朝兵，当时已经无法自救。

险情发生的时候，当地燃气公司的两名管道安装工，同为退伍军人的廖雪东和周显中两个人，恰好驾车经过，刚好目睹了现场的情况。

两人可以说是飞奔而来，脱掉长裤之后迅速跳进池塘，立马潜入水中设法救人。

据周显中回忆，池塘深度约为2-3米，铲车落水后，车身只剩轮胎一部分还露在水面。他与廖雪东紧抓救人黄金时间，边跑边脱衣服，全然顾不上手机、钥匙等随时物品便一头跳入水中设法救人。水下，周显中、廖雪东和李朝兵经过三次尝试最终艰难打开车门，车门一开，周显中一把将李朝兵拉出驾驶舱，此时，李朝兵已面色发黑。待到确认李朝兵无事后，周显中和廖雪东二人随机离开现场。
两位好心人救人之后没有四处张扬。10月10日下午，满怀感激的李朝兵，特意做了一面锦旗送到当地燃气公司，大家才知道了这件事情。廖雪东和周显中两个人也是一再强调，这都是应该做的事情。