‘I am not dead yet, call 120’: Woman survives 12th-floor fall in China, calls for help after hitting ground

In an extraordinary incident in southeastern China, a 44-year-old woman survived a fall from the 12th floor and even managed to call out for help after hitting the ground.

Peng Huifang, a factory cleaner from Leping in Jiangxi province, has garnered national attention for her incredible survival, reported the South China Morning Post.

Accident during window installation

On May 13, Peng was assisting her husband, who runs a window installation business, with sealing a balcony for a client. Believing she was safely inside the room, she opted not to wear a safety harness — a decision she would later deeply regret.

The couple was using a crane to hoist a heavy window, weighing several hundred kilograms, up to the 12th floor. During the lift, the window apparently became entangled with a tree branch, causing it to drop suddenly. The force of the fall pulled the crane and Peng — who was holding the crane's remote control — out of the building.

“All I could think was, ‘I am going to die, I am leaving this world forever,’” Peng later recounted.

Life saved by awning

Miraculously, Peng’s fall was broken by an awning several stories below, which absorbed much of the impact and likely saved her life. Though she lay immobile on the ground, she remained conscious and managed to shout to her husband: “I am not dead yet, call 120!” — China’s emergency services hotline.

Multiple surgeries, long recovery ahead

Peng was rushed to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, where she underwent surgery for multiple injuries, including fractures in her foot, leg, and lower spine. Her upper body remained mostly unharmed.

Doctors remain optimistic, estimating that she may walk again in about six months with continued treatment. She is currently awaiting additional surgeries.

A cautionary tale

Peng has expressed deep regret for not wearing a safety harness and hopes her story will serve as a warning to others. “Please don’t take safety for granted,” she said.

Despite the accident occurring during work, Peng has stated she does not blame the client and has no intention of seeking compensation.

Financial struggles and plea for help

With over 70,000 yuan (US$10,000) already spent on medical expenses, the family is now seeking financial assistance to cover the ongoing cost of treatment.

Peng’s case continues to draw public attention, both for her resilience and the harsh reminder it brings about workplace safety.