Two students who helped an elderly woman after she fell are now facing a lawsuit of over RMB 220,000 (S$40,000) in damages.
The incident took place on the afternoon of 15 March 2025 in Putian, Fujian.
It has since sparked debate about responsibility and the potential consequences of stepping in to help.
CCTV footage captured the incident involving the elderly cyclist, Zhu Yuhong (name transliterated from Mandarin), falling off her bicycle.
As a white car emerged from a bend, the elderly cyclist attempted to avoid the vehicle. However, she lost her balance and fell to the ground.
HK01 confirmed that there was no external collision.
Source: AnthonyAn6490 on YouTube
While riding an electric scooter, Wang Ziqing (name transliterated from Mandarin), aged 14, and Zhu Jiayuan (name transliterated from Mandarin), aged 15, witnessed the fall.
They immediately stopped and rushed to help the woman.
Source: AnthonyAn6490 on YouTube
They assisted her by helping her to her feet and moving her bicycle out of the way. However, their kind gesture soon led to serious consequences.
After the incident, Ms Zhu alleged that the students’ scooter startled her, causing her to lose control and fall.
She claimed that their sudden appearance had contributed to her fall, leading her to file a lawsuit.
Source: AnthonyAn6490 on YouTube
Traffic police classified the incident as a “contactless traffic accident”. However, the lawsuit proceeded.
According to the traffic police investigation, Ms Zhu was held primarily responsible for the accident, as she failed to pay attention to road conditions.
Wang, the rider of the scooter, was found to be partially responsible for illegally operating the scooter due to her age and failure to yield when turning.
Jiayuan, the passenger, was not found liable.
The elderly woman sought RMB 224,307 (S$41,000) from the students.
The claim includes medical expenses for 12 days of hospitalisation, nursing care fees and mental distress damages, among others.
The students’ parents and supporters have expressed shock at the severity of the lawsuit, pointing out the unintended nature of the fall and the students’ good intentions.
Ms Zheng, Wang’s mother, told Yangcheng Evening News that the ordeal has caused “serious psychological trauma” to her child.
The case has caused widespread online debate. Many netizens question the logic behind the lawsuit, asking why the students are being blamed for a fall they had no part in causing.
Others have pointed out that while the students’ actions were technically illegal, the link between their scooter and the fall is tenuous at best.
Source: AnthonyAn6490 on YouTube
Legal experts suggest that the lawsuit may ultimately hinge on whether the scooter’s speed or proximity truly caused a “startled response” that led to the woman’s fall.
The case is scheduled for a hearing at the Lingchuan Tribunal in Putian City on 26 Feb.
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Featured image adapted from AnthonyAn6490 on YouTube.