At about 8 a.m. on September 21 in Danyang, Jiangsu, a white electric car plunged into the Jiuqu River after the female driver accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake while parking. The car smashed through the riverside guardrail and quickly began sinking as water poured into the cabin. With the driver’s window open, it became her only escape route.

At that critical moment, 60-year-old Sun Xichun, who was practicing Tai Chi nearby, heard the commotion and spotted the car drifting downstream and rapidly submerging. Without hesitation, he stripped off his outer clothes and leapt into the rushing river, swimming toward the vehicle and helping the panicked driver, who couldn’t swim, escape from the sinking car.

Meanwhile, bystanders onshore mobilised quickly: some called emergency services, others searched for lifebuoys and ropes, and nearby boat owners were hailed for assistance. One passing vessel rushed to the scene, throwing rescue equipment to Sun and the trapped woman.

In the strong current, Sun held the driver tightly and swam toward the bank. Onshore, people formed a human chain to pull them to safety. Thanks to the swift rescue, the woman suffered only shock and no physical injuries.

Later that afternoon, professional teams successfully recovered the submerged vehicle.