Zhang Lili

Zhang Lili, a teacher in Jiamusi.

Zhang Lili (张丽莉) is a teacher at the No. 19 Middle School in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province. She sustained serious injuries after saving two students from being hit by an oncoming bus on May 8, 2012.

Zhang and her students were crossing the road just outside the school gate when suddenly a runaway school bus veered towards the students. Zhang managed to push both students out of the vehicle’s destructive path, but she herself did get run over. Her legs were crushed and later had to be amputated above the knee.

Zhang is currently receiving treatment at the First Hospital affiliated with Harbin Medical University. Though her vital signs are stable, several post-operative complications still form a threat to Zhang's life, according to the doctor in charge. A team of specialists, including doctors from the hospital itself as well as five medical experts sent by the Ministry of Health, has now been formed.

Zhang has regained consciousness, but remains unable to speak. "We have done a thorough body check and we will do everything in our power to save her life," said her doctor.

Born on Jan. 19, 1984 in Jiamusi, Zhang enrolled in Yilan Normal School in 1999 and went on to attend Daqing Normal University in 2004. She graduated from Harbin Normal University in 2007 and has worked at the Jiamusi No. 19 Middle School ever since, teaching Chinese language and literature.

Zhang Lili is cured in the hospital.

Zhang was once a 168-cm-tall lively and cheerful young woman who had dedicated herself entirely to her job. She got married to Li Ziye in 2009. The couple planned on having a baby after her class’ graduation. “Now I just wish my wife wakes up soon. From now on I will simply be there for her, be her rock. No matter when and where, we’ll be together forever,” said her husband.

Zhang’s act of heroism has moved numerous people. She was even named “most beautiful teacher” by netizens. On May 20, Liu Yandong, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and state councilor, made a trip to Harbin to visit her. According to the Jiamusi Charity Society, by May 23, the donation from all various circles had reached 9.23 million yuan (US$1.45 million).