Chinese Teen Saves 14 People From Burning Building With Construction Crane

May 13, 2019

A young crane operator in northeastern China has been hailed as a hero after saving people from a burning building on May 2.

Lan Junze, 19, was working at a construction site in Fushun, Liaoning province when he noticed a nearby residential building go up in smoke.

The fire reportedly started from a grocery store on the first floor of the building, endangering the rest of the floors in a few minutes.

Because of the heavy smoke, residents struggled to flee from their apartments.

In clips that have since gone viral, the crane can be seen getting residents out from the upper floors of the seven-story building.

However, Lan’s one-man rescue did not come easy as smoke obstructed his sight and wires blocked the crane in the air.

Still, Lan managed to save 14 people in 30 minutes.

“At that time, I only wanted to save people,” he said, according to Sohu News. “I didn’t think of anything else. I didn’t have the time.”

In recognition of his heroic act, Lan’s name was widely circulated on May 4, China’s Youth Day, with netizens proclaiming him as the “Crane Man.”

On May 12, the local government and Fushun Women’s Federation awarded his family with the honorary title “Best Family,” according to Xinhua.

“My parents have educated me since I was a child,” Lan told reporters. “When others are face difficulty, I must lend a helping hand. This is what I should do. Now everyone is safe!”

Needless to say, Weibo users had nothing but good words for the teenage hero:

“This young man is good, praises to him!”

“I think he deserves some cash for a reward!”

“Now, such a person can definitely be called a hero.”

“This boy is so good! I can only give you as much compliments.”

“Good people doing good deeds should be rewarded, but at the same time, fire safety construction should be improved.”

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