Driver Deliberately Rams Car Into Crowd in Zhuhai, China, Killing 35 and Injuring Dozens
A horrific incident occurred late Monday evening in Zhuhai, China, when a driver intentionally rammed his car into a crowd of people at a local sports center, killing 35 and injuring 43 others. The attack took place at the sports center in the Xiangzhou district, a popular venue where residents typically gather to exercise, jog, play soccer, and dance socially.
Police detained a 62-year-old man, identified only by his family name, Fan, who was found inside the vehicle with a knife and self-inflicted neck wounds. Authorities believe these injuries were a result of self-harm. Fan remains unconscious and is receiving medical care at a local hospital. The incident unfolded on the eve of Zhuhai’s premier aviation exhibition hosted annually by the People’s Liberation Army.
Initial Confusion and Hospital Reports
For nearly 24 hours, details of the tragedy remained unclear, and information on casualties was scarce. State media reported that over 20 people had been hospitalized, but the full scope of the attack was not confirmed until later. Hospitals across the city had been overwhelmed with victims, and some calls from reporters were redirected or left unanswered.
The sports center, a common gathering place for local residents, will remain closed until further notice as authorities continue their investigation into the attack. Local officials have urged the public to remain patient as they determine the motive behind the assault.
Censorship of Information Within China
As the incident unfolded, Chinese authorities moved quickly to control the flow of information about the attack. Searches on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo returned few results, with most posts being heavily censored. Articles related to the incident from local media were also removed swiftly. However, footage from the scene surfaced on platforms outside China’s Great Firewall, with videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter). Videos shared by news blogger Li Ying, known as “Teacher Li,” showed injured individuals lying on the track as emergency responders performed CPR.
China’s tight control over internet content often escalates around major events, such as the National People’s Congress, when censorship efforts are heightened to prevent negative publicity. As the country prepares for major policy announcements, authorities have scrambled to limit discussions on sensitive topics, including public safety incidents like this one.
Recent Patterns of Public Attacks in China
This attack is the latest in a troubling string of random public assaults in China. In October, a man was detained after allegedly using a knife to attack schoolchildren in Beijing, injuring five. In September, a knife attack in a Shanghai supermarket left three people dead.
Source : Swifteradio.com
