Lang Dung recounted that at approximately 5 pm on 16/4, while he was passing through Mac Dang Dung street in Dong Mai ward, he heard people on the bridge shouting that a child was drowning at Km11, National Highway 18. Locating the victim about 500 meters away, he parked his motorbike by the roadside and jumped into the water.

Lang Dung (in a black shirt) after rescuing the 4th-grade boy who slipped and fell into the canal at Km11, National Highway 18, Dong Mai ward, Quang Ninh, on the afternoon of 16/4, recorded by residents. Quang Yen Today

The current was not too strong, allowing Lang Dung to swim to the boy quickly. With help from residents on the bank, the boy was brought ashore after about two minutes. After the victim regained consciousness following first aid, Lang Dung carried him to the main road and asked an oto to take him to Quang Ninh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital in Tuan Chau ward. En route, he called his wife to retrieve his motorbike from the scene.

After admitting the victim to the hospital and waiting for the boy's parents to arrive, Lang Dung left to make it in time for his evening sales.

The victim, a 4th-grade student, lived about one kilometer from the scene. That same afternoon, he and a friend went to the canal to play and slipped. "When I saw him, the boy was slowly sinking; any delay would have been life-threatening", Lang Dung stated.

Lang Dung, 37, owner of a grill restaurant in Quang Yen, Quang Ninh. Provided by subject

Upon receiving news of his son's accident while preparing for his evening shift, Pham Minh Hai rushed to the hospital to care for the boy. On the evening of 17/4, the family visited Lang Dung's home to express their gratitude. "Lang Dung saved my son's life. When my child is discharged, I will bring him to meet his benefactor to thank him", Hai said.

Living in the area, Lang Dung is familiar with the terrain. Over 10 years ago, he said he had rescued a girl from drowning at the same location.

Quynh Nguyen