At least 35 people tragically lost their lives, and approximately 43 others were injured in a horrific accident in Zhuhai, a southern city in China, when a car veered into a large crowd gathered outside a popular sports center. The incident, which took place on Monday evening, was reported by news agency Reuters and quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread shock and grief.
The driver, a 62-year-old man identified by his surname Fan, was arrested soon after the incident. Police reports indicate that Fan allegedly drove his small car deliberately into the group of pedestrians at around 7:48 pm local time (11:48 am GMT), before attempting to flee. Verified footage from the scene reveals the devastating impact of the collision, with numerous people lying on the road and frantic cries of "terrorists" echoing in the background. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, with ambulances seen transporting the severely injured to hospitals, while a distressed woman could be heard saying, “My foot is broken,” capturing the urgency of the medical crisis.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the driver’s motive, and the local police have so far only described it as a “deliberate act” aimed at knocking down pedestrians. The incident occurred near the Xiangzhou City District Sports Center, a popular hub that attracts hundreds of residents for evening activities, including running, soccer, and social dancing.
The timing of the accident has drawn additional attention, as it took place just a day before Zhuhai’s prestigious airshow, organized by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which draws large crowds and media attention each year. This year’s event is particularly significant due to the anticipated debut of a new Chinese stealth fighter jet, symbolizing the country’s advanced military capabilities.
Social media and news coverage of the accident have been met with heavy censorship, as searches for the incident were blocked on Chinese platforms, and related reports were swiftly taken down by authorities. The Associated Press reported that this censorship extended to news articles from prominent Chinese media outlets, reflecting a pattern of tightly controlling information on incidents that may spark public outcry or damage the country's image during high-profile events.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Zhuhai, with many residents mourning the loss of life and expressing concern about public safety in crowded areas. The government has promised a thorough investigation, although the censorship of details has left many unanswered questions.
