A horrific incident unfolded in Zhuhai, a bustling city in southern China, where a man has rampaged through a crowded area, resulting in the tragic deaths of 35 individuals and injuring 43 others after deliberately driving his car into unsuspecting pedestrians outside a sports complex late Monday night.
The 62-year-old driver, identified by authorities only by his surname Fan, brazenly “forced his way into the city’s sports center, ramming people who were exercising on the internal roads,” as detailed in a police statement released shortly after the incident. Witnesses noted that the sports complex is commonly frequented by residents engaging in various activities such as running, soccer, and dancing, making the act even more shocking.
Authorities quickly detained Fan, stating he was “controlled on the spot” as he attempted to escape the scene, according to police reports from Tuesday. Currently, he is in a coma at a local hospital, undergoing treatment for injuries believed to be self-inflicted to his neck and other areas of his body.
A preliminary investigation has indicated that the attack was allegedly “triggered by (Fan’s) dissatisfaction with the division of property following his divorce,” adding a disturbing motive to the already tragic event. As details began to emerge, images and videos captured during the incident circulated rapidly on Chinese social media platform Weibo, only to be swiftly censored and removed.
One disgruntled Weibo user lamented the delay in news reporting, stating, “Even in today’s highly connected world, it took over 24 hours to learn about this incident.” Others took to the platform to express their shock and concern over the unfolding narrative. “I don’t know what to say, but I hope this kind of sickness does not spread,” voiced one concerned user, encapsulating the growing unease among the public.
The death toll “makes every pore on my body stand on end,” remarked another Weibo user, reflecting the widespread horror felt by those following the tragedy. On X, chilling videos of the aftermath revealed dozens of people lying injured on the running track of the sports complex as onlookers grappled with the shocking scene.
An eyewitness, identified as Chen, shared his frightening experience with Chinese news outlet Caixin, recounting how he had just completed his third lap when out of nowhere, a car barreled toward them, knocking down “many people,” though he narrowly escaped by jumping aside. Another witness, surnamed Liu, expressed terror as he described how the car “drove in a loop,” highlighting that “people were hurt in all areas of the running track — east, south, west, and north.”
In response to the chaos, hundreds of rescue personnel from both Zhuhai city and Guangdong province were quickly deployed, with over 300 healthcare workers from five local hospitals working tirelessly around the clock to provide emergency treatment to the victims, as reported by state media outlet Beijing Daily.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged “all-out efforts” to treat those injured in this disturbing event and has called for strict punishment of the perpetrator in accordance with the law. Xi further emphasized that local governments must “strengthen prevention and control of risks at the source, strictly prevent extreme cases from occurring, and resolve conflicts and disputes in a timely manner,” according to the state news agency Xinhua.
In a show of somber remembrance, on Tuesday, police barricades were erected outside the entrance of the sports complex. However, around 30 members of the public left floral tributes and lit candles in a square adjacent to the sports center, symbolizing the collective mourning for the lives lost.
The harrowing incident occurred during the People’s Liberation Army’s largest annual airshow, which is currently taking place in Zhuhai, drawing attention with its showcase of a new stealth jet fighter. Although there is no evidence linking the ramming to the airshow celebrations, this marks the second occurrence of such violence during a Zhuhai airshow event. A similar tragedy took place in 2008 when a man drove a truck into a crowded schoolyard during the festivities, resulting in at least four deaths and 20 injuries, stemming from revenge over a traffic dispute.
While violent crime is typically rare in China due to stringent security measures and strict gun laws, recent months have seen an uptick in reports of knife attacks in major cities, sparking public concerns about safety in public spaces and the need for heightened vigilance.
Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters.
**Interview with Public Safety Expert, Dr. Li Wei, on the Recent Tragedy in Zhuhai**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Li. The recent incident in Zhuhai has left the nation in shock. Can you provide some insights into what happened and the broader implications of such violence?
**Dr. Li Wei:** Thank you for having me. What unfolded in Zhuhai was nothing short of a tragedy. A 62-year-old man, identified only by his surname Fan, deliberately drove his car into a crowd outside a sports complex, claiming the lives of 35 people and injuring 43 others. This incident not only highlights the devastating impact of individual grievances but also raises concerns about public safety in crowded spaces.
**Interviewer:** Authorities have suggested that the attack was triggered by Fan’s dissatisfaction with property division following his divorce. How does personal distress lead to such violent acts?
**Dr. Li Wei:** It’s tragic but not uncommon. Individuals experiencing emotional turmoil or perceived injustices can manifest their pain in harmful ways. This incident suggests that Fan might have felt a profound sense of loss and frustration, which he translated into violence. It’s a grim reminder that we need to address mental health and provide people with better coping mechanisms to deal with life’s challenges.
**Interviewer:** Eyewitness accounts have painted a picture of chaos, with people suffering injuries “in all areas of the running track.” How can urban planning and emergency response systems be improved in light of such incidents?
**Dr. Li Wei:** Urban planning plays a critical role in ensuring public safety. Cities must design spaces with emergency evacuation in mind and incorporate features like barriers to protect pedestrians in crowded areas. Moreover, rapid emergency response is crucial. The quick deployment of over 300 healthcare workers in Zhuhai shows a commitment to immediate care, but we need to ensure that this level of preparedness is standard across all urban centers.
**Interviewer:** Social media reactions have ranged from disappointment over delayed reporting to horror at the aftermath of the incident. What is the role of social media in shaping public perception during crises?
**Dr. Li Wei:** Social media acts both as a tool for raising awareness and as a channel for misinformation. In instances like this, timely and accurate reporting is essential to prevent panic and provide solace. It’s important that authorities work to communicate effectively. However, it’s also vital for users to critically assess the information shared and avoid spreading unverified content that could contribute to confusion or fear.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, Dr. Li, what steps should society take after such a horrific event to prevent future tragedies?
**Dr. Li Wei:** Society must engage in open discussions about mental health, ensuring that individuals know where to seek help. Additionally, we need to promote community vigilance—encouraging people to look out for one another and report concerning behavior. Educational programs that teach conflict resolution and emotional intelligence may also go a long way in preventing such distress from escalating into violence.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Li, for your insights during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families in Zhuhai.
**Dr. Li Wei:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue.
