The woman did not survive and the cause of her fall is under investigation

A former soldier heroically stepped in to save a woman falling from a 11-storey building in Enshi, central China, but ended up in hospital himself.

Feng Ning, 23, was walking past the building with friends when he heard screams for help and saw a woman dangling out of a window, according to People's Daily Online.

He tried to catch the woman as she fell but ended up getting crushed by the force of her fall. Unfortunately the woman, could not be saved and died as a result of her injuries.

The fall: Feng Ning (centre) caught the woman as she crash landed on him from a building in Enshi, China

Hero: The former soldier and soon-to-be student suffered extensive injuries and will need expensive surgery

Unknown: It is not clear how the woman came to fall from the 11th floor window of the building pictured

The incident reportedly took place on December 23 at Chongwen Square.

A man was said to have been holding on to the woman by her hand as she dangled out of the window.

In the footage, several bystander were standing under the building and looking up.

Feng was seen running towards the building and putting his arms out.

Just moments later, a body dove into his arms and crushed him to the floor.

Feng's friends rushed to the scene and helped to pull him from underneath the woman.

Witnesses said he was screaming in pain and was sweating profusely.

One woman said: 'There was a loud noise, as if it was an earthquake.

'Then I heard the young man screaming in pain.'

Brave: Feng (above) did not hesitate for a moment when he rushed to catch her despite the potential dangers

Help: His friends rushed to his help and pulled him out from under the woman after they both fell down

Injured: Most of the injuries Feng sustained are to the right side of his body, including his right knee cap

Both Feng and the woman were said to have been taken to hospital.

The woman, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts.

Feng dislocated his right should and injured his right knee cap. He also tore three of the four ligaments in his knee.

He told reporters: 'I just wanted to save her. I knew it was dangerous but I couldn't stand by and do nothing.'

The hero will need surgery costing more than 80,000 Yuan (£8,000).

Feng, who left the army after two years of service and is due to start his university education, is too poor to afford his own fees.

However, thanks to his heroic act, many teachers and fellow students have donated to his cause.