FIVE PEOPLE drowned attempting to rescue one of their companions, who died after trying to commit suicide by jumping into a river twice in Dunhuang city, Northwest China's Gansu province. The woman who wanted to commit suicide, jumped into the water again after being saved by her companions the first time. Beijing News commented on Tuesday:

The tragedy immediately aroused a controversy. Many people believe that five people should not have tried to save the woman when she sought to commit suicide the second time, saying if she wanted to die so desperately, let her. However, this is wrong.

First, from a legal perspective, according to the law, the companions of the woman who got drunk were responsible for her safety.

What's more, it's not important whether or not the woman intended to kill herself. It's how those around her responded that matters. In an emergency, people often try to help without giving the situation much thought or analysis. Such actions are an instinctive response to help others.

The value of human life and the moral imperative to try and save a life are ingrained in society. When the time comes to act, reason finds it hard to overthrow them.

With the benefit of hindsight it is easy to appreciate the risks of a dangerous rescue attempt, but in the heat of the moment it is only natural to try and make the rescue anyway.