Dozens dead after car attack on exercising crowd in China’s Zhuhai
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In a tragic incident in Zhuhai, southern China, at least 35 people have been killed and 43 others injured after a man drove his SUV into a group of people exercising at the Zhuhai Sports Centre on Monday.
Authorities have labeled it a "serious and vicious attack."
The 62-year-old driver, identified as Fan, reportedly crashed through a barrier at the stadium and struck individuals of all ages, including teenagers, children, and elderly people. Police apprehended Fan as he attempted to flee but noted that he was in a coma from self-inflicted injuries and has yet to be questioned. Initial reports indicate that the attack may have been motivated by Fan's anger over a recent divorce settlement.
Most footage of the event, shared by witnesses on social media, has been removed by authorities, though some videos still circulating online reveal people lying on the ground while paramedics and bystanders provide assistance. The BBC reported that journalists were told to stop filming while covering the event.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” to aid the injured and emphasized the need for “severe punishment” for the attacker.
The incident took place just 40 kilometers from Airshow China, a major international military event showcasing China's latest military aircraft, drones, and weaponry. With heightened security in Zhuhai during the airshow, some entrances to the stadium were closed, adding further complications for emergency services.
Eyewitnesses recount the harrowing moments during the attack. At least six groups were using the stadium’s perimeter track when the car suddenly appeared, charging toward them and “knocking down many people.”
This incident is part of a troubling trend of violent attacks in public spaces across China.
Recent months have seen several high-profile cases, including a knife attack at a Beijing school injuring five and a stabbing spree in a Shanghai supermarket that left three dead. Japan’s embassy has since advised Japanese nationals in China to avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public as a safety measure.
