Tran Quang Dang, a commune official, heroically rescued a 4-year-old boy, Nguyen Xuan Thanh, from the swift currents of the Cong River in Dai Phuc commune on the evening of 26/7. The boy had slipped while playing near the riverbank.

Around 6:30 PM on 26/7, Dang, deputy head of the Inspection Committee of Dai Phuc Commune Party Committee, was walking along the dike embankment of the Cong River, passing through Cau Thanh and Dinh hamlets, when he spotted the boy drifting. He immediately climbed over a railing, jumped approximately 3 meters down to an alluvial bank, and swam into the middle of the river. Despite the strong current and riverbed terrain, with many sections deep enough to submerge a person's head, Dang swam about 100 meters to reach the child, pull him to safety on the alluvial bank, and administer first aid.

"The river water was deep and swift, causing me to lose my footing many times, but fortunately I reached the boy quickly and saved him," Dang recounted.

Tran Quang Dang, deputy head of the Inspection Committee of Dai Phuc Commune Party Committee, rests with the boy he just rescued from the swift current of the Cong River, on the evening of 26/7. *Photo: Dai Phuc General Service Center*

The People's Committee of Dai Phuc commune identified the victim as Nguyen Xuan Thanh, 4 years old, residing in Cau Thanh hamlet. His family arrived at the scene to take their child home and express gratitude to his rescuer.

Nguyen Tien Hung, chief of staff of the Commune Party Committee and a witness, noted that Dang handed over his phone just before diving in. "Dang's decisive action demonstrated a sense of responsibility for the lives of the people," Hung stated.

Tran Quang Dang hands over the 4-year-old boy to his family after rescuing him from the Cong River, passing through Dai Phuc commune, on the evening of 26/7. *Photo: Dai Phuc General Service Center*

A video capturing the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread praise. "Seeing the large, swift river, everyone was afraid; the official's decision to jump in despite the danger is highly admirable," commented social media user Tuyet Mai.

Dang described his actions as a "natural reflex" when witnessing someone in distress. Following the incident, he urged families to closely supervise children near rivers and streams to prevent similar drowning accidents.

Quynh Nguyen