A ride-hailing passenger in China took over the wheel and drove to a hospital after the driver suffered severe abdominal pain while behind the wheel. The driver underwent emergency surgery and survived the crisis.
Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the incident in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on the 29th. The passenger, Xu Simin, was using a ride-hailing service heading toward the Shunde area when she noticed something was wrong with the driver. The driver, who was at the wheel, turned pale rapidly and then pressed his hand below his right ribs, complaining of pain. The driver said, "I've never felt pain like this," and indicated he could no longer continue driving, asking for help to exit the highway.
Xu, judging that the situation was serious, immediately switched seats and took control of the vehicle. She abandoned the original destination and changed course to the nearest hospital. The driver reportedly endured the pain, curled up in the passenger seat.
By the time they reached the hospital, the driver's consciousness had grown faint, and emergency tests confirmed acute cholecystitis. Medical staff determined that the gallbladder inflammation was severe and proceeded immediately with emergency surgery. The attending physician said, "Had he arrived at the hospital even a little later, there was a risk the gallbladder would rupture or lead to sepsis," describing it as a potentially life-threatening situation.
Acute cholecystitis is a condition in which gallstones block the bile duct, causing inflammation in the gallbladder. It is accompanied by pain in the upper right abdomen, fever and nausea, and requires prompt treatment because missing the window for care can lead to complications such as gallbladder perforation or sepsis.
Xu, who works as a blogger, filmed the scene as a record in case of an emergency and posted it on social media. The video spread, garnering more than 2.5 million "likes." Local netizens left reactions such as "The passenger's calm judgment saved a person's life," "This is not something anyone can easily do," and "A true good Samaritan."
