These disturbing images capture the tragic moment when two firefighters were swept off a balcony on the 13th floor in China, falling hand-in-hand to their untimely demise.
Qian Lingyun, aged 23, and Liu Jie, aged 20, were attempting to suppress a fire that was spreading through an apartment block in Shanghai when this heartbreaking tragedy occurred.
Eyewitnesses recounted that Liu seemingly fell from the balcony first, forced back by a wall of flames, and Qian reached out to grasp his hand in an attempt to rescue him.
Nevertheless, the combined weight became overwhelming, causing both of them to plummet from the apartment block and land hand in hand on the pavement below.
Jian Ku, the fire brigade spokesperson, commented, “Firefighters consistently watch out for each other, supporting one another. This tragic loss underscores the depth of camaraderie among colleagues—protecting one another in life, inseparable even in death.”
This heartbreaking incident unfolded when emergency services responded to a call to combat a fire on the 13th floor of a residential building. The fire originated in a kitchen and swiftly spread throughout the apartment, posing a grave threat to the entire structure.
According to authorities, it was revealed that the occupants of the apartment had been utilizing a substantial quantity of electrical equipment, which is suspected to have initiated the fire.
Jian Ku further explained, “Firefighters were actively involved in rescue operations at the scene, including searching for potential trapped individuals and extinguishing the fire. However, an explosion suddenly occurred, propelling them from the building. One firefighter managed to secure a handhold and grabbed his colleague, leading to both tragically falling to their deaths.”
He continued, “Their fellow colleagues and friends are grieving their loss and extend heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families.”
Qian and Liu had become members of the city’s fire service in December 2012. A heartbreaking video capturing their final moments was recorded by a passerby, Ken Lo, using his mobile phone.
Ken Lo recounted, “It appeared that one of them fell initially, and the other reached out to grab him.”
The falling one managed to clutch the hand of his colleague, but the weight was too much. His intended rescuer was subsequently pulled into the abyss. It was a very distressing sight to behold.