Boy runs away after scolding—father dies in crash days later, tragedy sparks online grief

A heartbreaking story from Jiangxi province in eastern China has captured the attention of millions online. As reported by the South China Morning Post, a 12-year-old boy ran away from home on May 20 after his father, a delivery driver, scolded and beat him for spending too much time on his phone.

Just two days later, tragedy struck—the father died in a traffic accident while working.

According to SCMP, witnesses said the father's electric bike collided with a car and he was dragged underneath. The car driver reportedly admitted he did not see him. Despite being rushed to hospital, the father later died from his injuries.

Upon hearing about the accident, local police and volunteers began an urgent search for the missing boy, hoping to reunite him with his father one last time. He was eventually found wandering near a shop, unaware his father had already passed.

A rescue team volunteer revealed that the boy lived with his father and elderly grandmother after his parents divorced.

The deeply emotional story went viral, drawing nearly five million views on Chinese social media. Many netizens were moved by the tragic timing:

The incident also reignited concern about the grueling conditions faced by China’s 10 million-plus delivery workers. State media reports their average monthly income is around 6,800 yuan ($900). A 2020 survey found more than 60% work seven days a week, and 37% work over 10 hours daily.

In response to such concerns, delivery giant Meituan last year introduced anti-fatigue policies, including reminders after eight hours on the job and mandatory breaks after 12 hours.