Worker from India, hero of Craiova
Cojocariu Eugen, 20.01.2026, 14:47
An unskilled construction worker from India has become a hero in Craiova. He plunged into the freezingly cold waters of a lake in Nicolae Romanescu Park in Craiova (southern Romania), ahead of rescue teams, to save a five-year-old girl. The man held the little girl in his arms for 20 minutes until rescuers pulled them both out of the lake, to safety. The two were taken to hospital in hypothermic shock, but are both in stable condition.
The incident took place on Saturday and was reported by eye-witnesses and several local officials. While in hospital, the rescuer, Vipan Kumar (47), learned that he would receive the title of “Honorary Citizen of Craiova.” Five other men who came to the little girl’s rescue will also be rewarded. They are all out of danger now.
