Xinhua News Agency, Jinan, April 1 (reported by Dong Zhao, intern Wang Zhenxian) — More than half a year ago, Zhang Shumin, an exemplary teacher from Ju County, was killed in a collision while saving lives on the highway. After our newspaper reported the incident, the actions of Mr. Zhang Shumin garnered high attention from governments at provincial, municipal, and county levels. On April 1st, it was learned that the provincial government has approved Comrade Zhang Shumin as a revolutionary martyr.
Recently, the provincial government's "Approval for Recognizing Comrade Zhang Shumin as a Revolutionary Martyr" stated that Zhang Shumin, who was formerly a teacher at Ju County Experimental High School, sacrificed his life on August 2, 2009, when he was helping trapped passengers during a traffic accident. According to the provisions of the "Regulations on Commending Revolutionary Martyrs," Comrade Zhang Shumin has been recognized as a revolutionary martyr, and his family will be entitled to benefits accorded to the families of martyrs.
On April 1st, Yu Jiangbin, a lawyer and close friend of Zhang Shumin, who had also participated in the rescue on the highway, arrived in Jinan. He said that his trip to Jinan was specifically for this matter, and the decision to posthumously recognize Zhang Shumin as a martyr brought comfort and gratitude to both him and Zhang Shumin's family.
In a telephone interview, Zhang Shumin’s wife, Zhao Changhong, told reporters: “With society affirming his act of bravery, it allows Shumin to rest more peacefully.”
Zhang Shumin sacrificed his life on August 2, 2009. At that time, a major traffic accident occurred on the Binbo Expressway. Passing by the scene, Zhang Shumin, without hesitation, got out of his car and smashed the windows of the accident vehicles to save people. During this process, he was struck down and tragically killed by a speeding truck from behind. Our newspaper had provided continuous coverage of the event. After the reports were published, governments at provincial, municipal, and county levels gave the matter significant attention. In Zhang Shumin’s hometown, his heroic deeds have been widely praised.
According to relevant officials from the Provincial Department of Civil Affairs, Zhang Shumin’s selfless act of heroism embodies noble personal charm. Upon receiving the application materials, the Provincial Department of Civil Affairs immediately submitted them to the provincial government and completed the approval process as quickly as possible. Currently, the civil affairs department is working to ensure smooth communication and collaboration, fully implementing preferential treatment policies, so that the family of the martyr can feel reassured.
Our newspaper first reported on this event on August 3, 2009.