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Chinese Hit-and-Run Toddler Dies

Yueyue succumbs to injuries as nation debates tragedy

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2011 3:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Chinese toddler who was run over by two vans and then ignored by more than a dozen passers-by has died. "Her injuries were too severe and the treatment had no effect," said the director of the intensive care unit where 2-year-old Yueyue was treated. The case has sparked furious debate in China over whether morals have been left behind during the country's economic boom, and some are calling for a law to punish those who refuse to help people in obvious distress.

The Communist Party chief of Guangdong province called for "searching reflection" on the heart-breaking incident, urging citizens to "take active and effective steps to raise the moral standards of the entire society," Reuters reports. The 57-year-old trash collector who finally came to Yueyue's aid is being hailed as a heroine but, overwhelmed by media attention, she has refused to grant interviews and returned to her home village, the Guardian reports.

Yueyue's mother, left, speaks to Chen Xianmei, the woman who was the first to come to her daughter's aid.
Yueyue's mother, left, speaks to Chen Xianmei, the woman who was the first to come to her daughter's aid.   (AP Photo)
A nurse takes care of Yueyue in a hospital in Guangdong.
A nurse takes care of Yueyue in a hospital in Guangdong.   (AP Photo)
Yueyue, 2, lies in the street in Foshan after having been struck by a van.
Yueyue, 2, lies in the street in Foshan after having been struck by a van.   (CCTV)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 40 comments
JoeQ
Oct 21, 2011 1:34 PM CDT
First thing I thought when I saw this very sad story was that maybe China is one of those places where it is distinctly dangerous to be a good Samaritan.  In some places in the world if you are found at an accident scene or render assistance you become a suspect or possibly liable.
jerrymac
Oct 21, 2011 11:44 AM CDT
Why should anyone find this surprising? The Chinese culture looks at girls as a burden, with families either killing or abandoning them at birth. This has been so for many generations and is deeply instilled in their society. While extremely sad for us in the West, it is not uncommon in China.
Mad
Oct 21, 2011 10:47 AM CDT
As touchingly sad this story is, it happens to 21,000 children every single day. http://www.globalissues.org/article/715/today-21000-children-died-around-the-world

 
China • Guangdong • hit and run

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