18-Year-Old Chinese Student Rescues Elderly Couple From Apartment Fire

Chongqing, China – An 18-year-old Chinese student has been hailed as a local hero after bravely rescuing an elderly couple from a burning apartment while wearing only his underpants. Zhu Ye, a senior at Tongliang No. 2 Secondary School, acted quickly on the evening of October 16 when a fire erupted in his neighbour’s flat, reportedly caused by the battery of an electric wheelchair exploding.

Without hesitation, Zhu dashed to the apartment, found the elderly couple in danger, and calmly guided them to safety. The elderly woman had not realized that her legs had caught fire, while the man’s wheelchair continued to spark. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, Zhu unplugged the wheelchair’s battery, retrieved buckets of water from his home, and began extinguishing the flames. He then alerted the apartment complex’s security guards, who helped manage the aftermath and clean the flat.

The couple initially kept the incident from their daughter to avoid causing her distress. However, the next day, security personnel informed her of Zhu’s heroism. Grateful for his courage, the daughter personally visited Zhu at his school, bringing fruit and milk to thank him. She even joked that she admired his bravery so much that she would have wanted him as a son-in-law if she had a daughter.

Zhu explained that although he was frightened by the fire, he relied on emergency safety techniques he had learned in school to make quick decisions and ensure the couple’s safety. His teacher noted that this courageous act was no surprise, as Zhu often helps fellow students and is known for his readiness to assist others. Beyond his heroism, Zhu is also a skilled badminton player, having won the district championship two consecutive years.

The daring rescue, performed in his underpants, has earned Zhu the affectionate nickname “Underpants Man” among locals, celebrating his courage and quick thinking.

Zhu’s story has inspired his community, highlighting the impact of practical safety education and the extraordinary bravery of young individuals willing to risk their own lives to save others.