In a sobering incident in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, southeastern China, three women faced legal repercussions following the death of their friend, Xiaoqiu, due to excessive alcohol consumption. The local court concluded that the women failed in their duty to prevent Xiaoqiu from drinking dangerously and did not take appropriate action to save her life, resulting in a tragic outcome.
On May 21, Xiaoqiu joined her friend Wang Qi and two others, Xu and Chen, at a dinner gathering aimed at consoling her over a recent breakup. During the event, Xiaoqiu consumed half a liter of Chinese baijiu, a potent spirit known for its high alcohol content. Wang Qi also partook in drinking, consuming 0.25 liters, while Xu and Chen abstained.
Post-dinner, Xiaoqiu, accompanied by Xu, retired to her car for rest but unfortunately, Xu fell asleep. The next morning, Xu awoke to find Xiaoqiu unresponsive and immediately called for medical assistance. Tragically, Xiaoqiu was declared dead due to cardiorespiratory arrest caused by alcohol poisoning.
The case took a legal turn when Xiaoqiu’s parents filed a lawsuit against Wang, Xu, and Chen, asserting their responsibility for their daughter’s demise. The court concurred, holding the three women accountable for failing to intervene in Xiaoqiu’s excessive drinking and neglecting to provide timely medical attention when her condition deteriorated. As a result, Wang was ordered to pay 60,000 yuan (US$8,500), and Xu and Chen were each directed to compensate 20,000 yuan.
This tragic incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms in China, with over 12.6 million views on Douyin alone. Netizens have been vocal in emphasizing the importance of responsible drinking and the duty of care in social situations, especially when someone is dealing with emotional distress.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of alcohol poisoning, a serious condition that can quickly escalate to life-threatening levels, impacting vital body functions. It underscores the legal and moral obligations individuals have towards their friends and acquaintances, especially in situations involving alcohol. This ruling highlights the need for greater awareness and responsible behavior regarding alcohol consumption to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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