Chinese Bank Forced Elderly Woman to Withdraw Funds In Person Amidst Illness, Leading to Her Death

A Chinese bank is facing public backlash after a 62-year-old woman died after being forced to withdraw funds in person from one of its branches despite her illness.

The incident occurred on May 14 at an Agricultural Bank of China branch in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, when Ms Pong's daughter attempted to withdraw money without the requirement of her presence due to having forgotten her login credentials. Despite repeatedly informing the bank clerk about her ailing mother's situation, she was unable to proceed with the transaction.

With no alternative, the daughter alerted her sister and husband, who then took their wheelchair-bound mother to the bank for assistance. According to reports, Ms Pong passed away shortly after exiting the bank due to exhaustion caused by the prolonged ordeal.

The incident has raised questions about the bank's handling of sensitive customer situations and its responsibility towards its clients' well-being. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, while the bank recently reached a settlement with the woman's family, agreeing to cover her funeral costs and provide compensation.

However, unnamed sources suggest that the bank may not have been aware of Ms Pong's medical condition beforehand, sparking concerns about transparency within the institution's staff.