A heroic man from northwest China managed to save the life of a toddler who fell from a window, knocking himself out in the process.
28-year-old Tonik Turghanbek saw the child tumbling from a fifth floor window of an apartment building and leapt from his car to cushion the fall in the nick of time.
Heart-stopping security camera footage from the Renhe Residential District in Yining shows Tonik with his arms outstretched, ready to catch the two-year-old boy. He was knocked to the ground by the falling child, and was left unconscious.
The footage then goes on to show Tonik coming round mere moments later, lifting his head as he regains consciousness. Witnesses can then be seen coming to check on Tonik and the young boy.
As reported by RTE News, Tonik, who had been parking his car next to the apartment tower when he caught sight of the boy, fortunately escaped with some scratches and abrasions to his head.
The child has also thankfully not suffered any severe injuries, and has been taken to hospital for a health check.
Recalling the terrifying rescue, Tonik said:
I’d just come back from work and parked in front of the Renhe Residential District.
‘I was still in my car when I heard screaming outside. People were all looking up, then I spotted the child hanging four storeys up. A few seconds later he fell.
‘I wasn’t even thinking at the time. I just ran up and caught him, but I don’t know what happened afterwards – he knocked me out.
A doctor from the Friendship Hospital of Yili Prefecture, Serq Buranbe, said:
After the health check, we found the child safe and sound. He can walk and call his grandma. I was really happy and the child faced no life threat.
The footage of Tonik’s selfless act of bravery has since gone viral, with plenty of people praising him for putting the child’s safety above his own.
One person commented:
Marvel heroes are nothing, this man is a real SUPERHERO!
Another said:
This guy is a true Hero, he deserves the utmost recognition for his selflessness. He’s a blessed person.
Well done to Tonik for showing that true superheroes really do walk among us. What an inspiration.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.