A horrifying incident in Zhuhai, a city in southern China, has left the nation reeling in shock and mourning. On Monday evening, a car deliberately rammed into a large group of people exercising at the Zhuhai Sports Center, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The incident, which occurred at 7:48 p.m. local time (1148 GMT), has been described by city police as a “serious and vicious attack.”
According to authorities, a 62-year-old male driver, identified only as Fan, drove a small SUV through the gate of the sports center and intentionally plowed into the unsuspecting crowd. The impact of the vehicle sent people flying, leaving a scene of utter chaos and carnage. The death toll from the attack has been confirmed at 35, with 43 others sustaining injuries.
The driver, who sustained self-inflicted injuries to his neck and other parts of his body, was found in his car with a knife. He is currently in a coma and unable to be interrogated by police. Authorities believe the attack was fueled by Fan’s personal grievances stemming from a recent divorce.
Following the tragedy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a directive to authorities to prioritize public safety and social stability. He has also called for immediate medical assistance for the injured and demanded that the perpetrator be held accountable for his actions.
The incident has highlighted the fragility of public safety in China, despite the country’s tight security measures and strict gun control laws. While violent crime is relatively rare in China, a recent surge in knife attacks in major cities has raised concerns about the safety of public spaces.
The incident comes just weeks after a separate knife attack in Beijing, which left five people wounded outside a prominent primary school. These incidents have prompted a public outcry and increased scrutiny of security measures in high-traffic areas.
China’s largest airshow, showcasing the country’s civil and military aerospace industry, is currently underway in Zhuhai. The tragic event casts a somber shadow over the event and serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces, even in seemingly safe environments. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation and will undoubtedly spark a renewed focus on addressing the underlying causes of such horrific acts of violence.
