When a Nanjing Night Turns Into a Nightmare
It began as a simple after‑dinner chat. The businessman from Nanjing enjoyed a relaxed get‑together on December 15, then called a Didi Chuxing valet to swing him back to his apartment.
All seemed routine – the driver drops him near a residential lane, and Mr. Li heads straight to the back seat to grind through a few business emails on his phone.
The Unexpected Wrong Turn
- Mr. Li’s driver missed a crucial junction, continuing straight instead of turning.
- When Mr. Li muttered, “Hey, turn that way,” the driver stayed silent and, to his horror, began snoring.
- Acting like a reserved emergency‑responder, Mr. Li pulled the handbrake, halting the vehicle before a crash.
A Panic That Ticks All Boxes
Traffic was calm that night, so the SUV didn’t collide. However, the real horror hit just as the car stopped. Mr. Li checked on the driver only to discover him not breathing. Panic ensued.
Lost Phone, Urgent Call
He misplaced his phone inside the car, but a kind passerby lent him a mobile. He scrambled to phoned an ambulance and the local police. Despite the prompt response, the 45‑year‑old driver was unrecoverably wounded.
Aftermath: Police, Investigation, and a Broken Car
- The authorities seized the SUV for investigations.
- Cause of death remains under the scrutinizing eye of medical examiners.
- Mr. Li, shaken, vowed never to drive that car again.
In a bold twist, he suggested Didi take ownership of the vehicle – “If you’re going to run a ride‑share, better own what’s behind it,” he quipped to reporters.
When night rides go awry, even a “valet” can become a nightmare. Hope the investigation clears everything, but for now, the incident has left a lasting imprint on Mr. Li’s nights.
