Deadly Car Rampage at Chinese Stadium Claims Dozens of Lives
At least 35 people have lost their lives in a devastating car attack in Zhuhai, a city in southern China. The incident, which took place on Monday, has been described by officials as one of the deadliest acts of public violence in the country in decades. Local authorities reported that a man drove his car into the Zhuhai Sports Center, targeting groups of people exercising on the running track. The shocking event has left 45 others injured, including elderly individuals and children.
The driver, identified as 62-year-old Mr. Fan, is believed to have carried out the attack due to grievances related to a recent divorce settlement. According to police, Mr. Fan attempted to flee the scene after the rampage but was arrested and found unconscious with self-inflicted wounds. He remains in a coma and has not yet been questioned by authorities.
National Outcry and Swift Response
The incident has sparked a wave of public outrage across China, prompting President Xi Jinping to issue a strong statement condemning the attack. The President vowed “severe punishment” for those responsible and ordered “all-out efforts” to ensure proper medical care for the injured victims.
Mourners began gathering at the stadium as early as Tuesday morning, leaving flowers and burning incense in memory of the victims. Although details about those who lost their lives have not been officially released, the tragedy has deeply affected the local community. The Zhuhai Sports Center, which features a popular running track loop, had been a favored spot for residents seeking outdoor exercise.
Eyewitness accounts described a terrifying scene as the vehicle sped towards pedestrians. One witness, Mr. Chen, recounted to Caixin news magazine how his walking group had just finished a lap when the car suddenly appeared, speeding directly into their path. “It knocked down many people,” he said, visibly shaken. Another bystander reported seeing the vehicle circle the track repeatedly, injuring people in multiple areas.
Motive Linked to Domestic Dispute
Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that the driver’s actions stemmed from frustration over a property dispute following his divorce. Mr. Fan’s apparent mental distress led to the rampage, but he has yet to provide a statement due to his critical medical condition.
This incident marks one of the most severe cases of random public violence in recent Chinese history. Earlier this year, a mass stabbing and shooting spree in Shandong province left at least 21 people dead, but details of that event were heavily censored by the Chinese government. In comparison, Monday’s attack in Zhuhai has already faced significant online censorship, with videos captured by witnesses quickly removed from Chinese social media platforms.
Media Restrictions and Harassment
Journalists covering the scene reported being harassed by local authorities. BBC reporters were confronted and ordered to stop filming as they attempted to document the aftermath of the attack. In China, it is not uncommon for the government to impose strict control over media coverage of high-profile violent incidents, often removing videos and limiting discussions online.
While some footage of the attack still circulated briefly on social media, it depicted harrowing scenes of people lying injured on the ground, surrounded by paramedics and concerned bystanders.
Recent Surge in Public Attacks
China has seen an increase in violent attacks against the public in recent months. In October, a knife attack at a prestigious school in Beijing left five people injured. Similarly, in September, a man carried out a stabbing spree at a Shanghai supermarket, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries. The same month, a 10-year-old Japanese student was fatally stabbed near his school in southern China.
Following the Zhuhai car attack, Japan’s embassy issued a warning to its citizens in China, advising them to avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public. The advisory reflects growing safety concerns for foreigners residing in the country.
Attack Coincides with Major Airshow
The attack took place during a period of heightened security in Zhuhai, as the city is currently hosting a major military airshow. The venue, located just 40 kilometers from the site of the incident, is showcasing China’s latest warplanes and attack drones. Notably, the event is being attended by high-profile officials, including former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Several access points to the Zhuhai Sports Center were closed as part of increased security measures linked to the airshow, according to a statement from the venue’s management.
The motive behind the attack, coupled with the rising frequency of public violence in China, has raised concerns among both the local populace and international observers. Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.
