Crowds watched in horror as a toddler dangled from the balcony of a fifth floor building.
The heart-stopping moment was caught on film in Brazil where it was reported that the three-year-old's mum was sleeping inside while her son diced with death.
As people 50ft below screamed, the boy appeared to cling to the ledge of the apartment block in Vila Velha, a town on the country's east coast.
Ninemsn reported that one man positioned himself under the balcony as rescuers dashed to the toddler's aid.
A waiter working opposite told Brazilian website Midia Con News that customers were 'crying at the sight' before he ran out to help. It is thought the child may have clambered on to the ledge by climbing on to a chair on the balcony.
Eventually he was rescued by Bruno Teixeira, who told Midia Con News that the boy's mother was asleep in the apartment the whole time.
Mr Teixeira said: "When we saw the boy hanging we ran without looking.
"When we arrived at the apartment the room door was open and the balcony was closed. The boy's mother was asleep. She should be more responsible with her son's life."
Despite his ordeal, the child wasn't hurt. A police investigation is now being carried out.