Tragedy Strikes in Zhuhai: Car Rams Through Crowd, Killing 35

A chilling incident unfolded at a sports center in Zhuhai, China, as a driver plowed his car into a crowd, leaving 35 people dead and 43 severely injured. This tragic event marks one of the deadliest attacks in recent Chinese history.
Chinese authorities hesitated for nearly 24 hours before officially acknowledging the incident, which occurred on Monday night in Zhuhai, a bustling city in southern China near Macau with a population of approximately 2.5 million.
Disturbing images and videos depicting numerous individuals knocked to the ground and a car fleeing the scene circulated on China’s prominent social media platforms on Monday night but were promptly censored.
Outraged comments regarding the delayed reporting by officials were swiftly removed, and the Weibo messaging site even censored a hashtag referencing the death toll.

Driver’s Motive and Arrest

Authorities disclosed that the 62-year-old driver, who has been apprehended, sustained self-inflicted wounds with a knife to his neck and other body parts and is currently hospitalized. The man reportedly harbored resentment over the division of assets in his divorce settlement.
A makeshift memorial with candles and flowers was set up at the site on Tuesday evening, with around 30 individuals gathering at one of the sports center’s gates. Delivery drivers on bikes also paused to contribute to the approximately 20 bouquets laid out in a row.

Flowers and candles for the victims of the incident were laid at the sports center. Source: EPA / Alex Plavevski

Hundreds of rescue personnel from Zhuhai city and Guangdong province were mobilized to provide urgent medical assistance. Additionally, over 300 healthcare professionals from five hospitals worked tirelessly to save lives, as reported by state media Beijing Daily.
The tragic attack unfolded amidst the People’s Liberation Army’s largest annual airshow in Zhuhai, where a new stealth jet fighter is showcased for the first time, capturing the nation’s attention.
Though there is no evidence linking the incident to the airshow, this event is not the first of its kind to occur during the Zhuhai airshow. In 2008, a man drove a truck into a crowded schoolyard during the airshow, resulting in at least four fatalities and 20 injuries. Authorities revealed that the attacker in that case sought retaliation over a traffic dispute.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, as cited by Chinese state television CCTV, has called for comprehensive efforts to treat the injured and has demanded severe repercussions for the perpetrator.

FAQs

  • What was the motive behind the driver’s attack?
  • How did Chinese authorities respond to the incident?
  • Was there any connection between the attack and the ongoing airshow in Zhuhai?

Conclusion

The tragic incident in Zhuhai has left a profound impact on the community, with lives lost and families shattered. As investigations continue and the wounded receive medical care, the nation mourns the senseless violence that has unfolded. Authorities are urged to provide swift justice and support to those affected by this heartbreaking event.
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