Heroic moment: Chinese man dives into river, smashes car sunroof to rescue driver

The dramatic incident occurred in Taizhou city on Oct. 14, when a vehicle plunged into a river just meters from the bank. Without hesitation, Di Shuangcheng jumped into the water and swam toward the car, video footage posted by CGTN on Oct. 16 shows.

Using what appeared to be a brick, Di smashed the sunroof and pulled the trapped driver to safety as the car rapidly filled with water.

"Are there any passengers on board?" he can be heard asking as he reached inside to lift the driver out, The Straits Times reported.

Police officers arrived moments later and helped bring both men back to shore. According to Jimu News, Di’s father-in-law revealed on Oct. 15 that he was a military veteran.

"I am very happy that my son-in-law saved someone. I treated him to a drink," he said.

Local authorities later honored Di with an award for bravery on Oct. 17. He told reporters he would do it again if faced with a similar situation. The rescued driver has since been transferred to a general ward at a hospital.