Police described the attack as “vicious” and have detained a 62-year-old man. ( AP photo: Kyodo News)
By Smartenylopedia News Desk with Agencies
Zhuhai, China — A tragic incident unfolded at Zhuhai Sports Centre in southern China on Monday night as a car plowed into a crowd of people, killing 35 and injuring 43 others in what authorities are describing as a “vicious” hit-and-run attack. Police have detained a 62-year-old man, identified only by his family name, Fan. Preliminary investigations suggest the attack was motivated by personal grievances stemming from a recent divorce, according to local police reports.
Incident Details and Investigation
The incident occurred in the bustling city of Zhuhai, where Fan reportedly drove a small SUV through the gates of the sports center, which attracts hundreds of residents for evening exercise. Witnesses described the harrowing scene as Fan allegedly maneuvered his vehicle along internal roads and directly targeted people exercising on the sports grounds.
Fan is currently hospitalized in a coma following self-inflicted injuries sustained after the attack. While he remains under police custody, investigators continue to analyze motives and circumstances, piecing together the events that led to this tragedy. Local authorities have classified the incident as a premeditated act, and China’s President Xi Jinping has issued strong orders to prioritize medical treatment for the injured and ensure Fan faces severe punishment. In response to the attack, the central government has dispatched a specialized team to Zhuhai to guide in handling the case.
Social Media Reactions and Censorship
Across Chinese social media, users have expressed horror at the event, sharing condolences for the victims and reflecting on the high death toll. However, as has been observed with other recent incidents, online searches and discussions about the attack have been heavily censored on platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu. Early reports on Monday night were removed, and by Tuesday morning, only limited references to the attack remained accessible, with most discussions lacking images or detailed information. Chinese authorities frequently limit online discourse on such events, especially when they coincide with significant national events.
Zhuhai Community Response
In the wake of the attack, Zhuhai residents mobilized quickly, with many queuing at blood donation centers and hospitals to assist those injured. Community members voiced their shock and grief as news of the scale of casualties spread, a sentiment echoed across social media despite restricted sharing.
In response to the tragedy, the sports center, located in the city’s Xiangzhou district, announced its closure until further notice. This center, a popular spot for recreational activities such as track running, soccer, and social dancing, is frequented by hundreds of residents each evening, emphasizing the devastating impact of the incident on the local community.
A Broader Pattern of Random Attacks
The Zhuhai tragedy is part of a troubling pattern of public attacks that have occurred across China in recent years. In October, a man was detained for allegedly using a knife to attack children at a school in Beijing, resulting in five injuries. Similarly, in September, three people were killed in a knife attack at a Shanghai supermarket. While the motives for these attacks vary, such incidents have increasingly targeted public spaces and bystanders, often leaving communities shaken and demanding answers.
Looking Ahead
As Zhuhai grapples with the aftermath of Monday’s attack, President Xi Jinping’s call for “all-out efforts” in aiding the victims reflects the gravity of the incident and the government’s commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future. The city remains in mourning, its residents processing an unexpected loss and the lasting impact of a tragedy that has forever altered their community.