A tragic incident unfolded at the Zhuhai Sports Centre in southern China on Monday, when a driver rammed his vehicle into a crowd of people exercising, resulting in 35 fatalities and 43 injuries. The attack, which occurred in the city of Zhuhai, has shocked the nation, with authorities confirming the death toll on Tuesday.
The police described the incident as a “serious and vicious attack,” revealing that the 62-year-old driver, identified only by his surname Fan, was responsible for the deadly assault. According to police reports, Fan, reportedly angered by the division of property following his divorce, drove his small SUV through the gates of the sports centre and ploughed into people who were exercising on the internal roads.
The driver attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement officers who arrived on site. Upon arrest, Fan was found inside his car, reportedly attempting to harm himself with a knife. He sustained serious injuries, including cuts to his neck, and was immediately rushed to the hospital. Fan is currently in a coma and unable to undergo interrogation, police said.
The injured victims, 43 in total, are not in life-threatening conditions, though several of them were critically injured. Videos from the scene, which were geolocated by AFP, showed the aftermath of the attack, with victims lying motionless on the ground while others attempted to provide first aid.
The incident has garnered significant attention both in China and internationally, with many expressing shock at the scale of the attack. The incident occurred while the Zhuhai Airshow, China’s largest civil and military aerospace event, is being held in the same city. Graphic videos circulating on social media, showing the victims and aftermath, have since been removed from Chinese platforms, though reactions have flooded social media, with many commenting on the tragic impact on the families involved.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences and called for “all-out efforts” to treat the injured. He has also demanded that the perpetrator be “punished in accordance with the law.” The incident has raised concerns about rising violent public attacks in China, with several similar incidents in recent months, including a knife attack in Shanghai and a vehicle crash in Changsha.
The attack also prompted safety alerts for foreign nationals, with Japan’s embassy in China advising its citizens to be cautious in public places, though it has confirmed that no Japanese citizens were among the victims.
This devastating event adds to a growing number of violent incidents in China, highlighting concerns over public safety and the mental health of individuals facing personal crises. As investigations continue, the authorities are under increasing pressure to address the root causes of such violent acts and ensure greater public security.
Sources By Agencies
