Tragic Incident In Zhuhai China, As Car Attack Claims Dozens Of Lives.
At least 35 people have been killed and 43 others injured after a driver rammed his SUV into a crowd exercising at Zhuhai Sports Centre in southern China on Monday night. The local authorities have described the incident as a “serious and vicious attack.”
The driver, identified as Mr Fan, 62, allegedly drove through a barrier at high speed, targeting groups who regularly use the stadium’s walking paths for exercise. Among those injured were elderly individuals, teenagers, and children, according to Chinese media. Mr Fan was detained after attempting to flee the scene but is currently in a coma due to self-inflicted injuries, preventing immediate questioning.
Witnesses recount chaotic scenes, with many people struck across various sections of the stadium’s walking track. Mr Chen, an eyewitness, described how his group had just completed a lap around the stadium when the SUV charged toward them. “It drove in a loop, and people were hurt in all areas of the running track – east, south, west, and north,” another witness added.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a directive for “all-out efforts” to care for the injured, alongside a call for “severe punishment” for those responsible. The attack has cast a sombre shadow over the city, which is also hosting Airshow China, a major international military event showcasing advanced warplanes and drones. To facilitate security around the airshow, some entrances to the sports centre have been temporarily closed.
Initial investigations suggest that Mr Fan’s actions may have stemmed from frustration over a recent divorce property settlement. The incident follows a series of violent attacks in China over recent months, including stabbings in Beijing and Shanghai. After Monday’s attack, the Japanese embassy in China advised its nationals to exercise caution in public.
The tragic event has left the Zhuhai community in shock, with authorities vowing to enhance security measures and support affected families during this difficult time.