At least 35 people died, and 43 others were injured after a car drove into a crowd exercising at a stadium in Zhuhai, China, on Monday, according to Chinese authorities.
BBC reported that the driver, a 62-year-old man named Fan, crashed an SUV into the Zhuhai Sports Centre after breaking through a barrier. Police described the incident as a “serious and vicious attack.” Many of the victims were elderly, teenagers, and children.
Fan tried to escape after the crash but was arrested. However, police revealed that he is now in a coma because of injuries he inflicted on himself.
BBC explained that investigations so far suggest Fan’s actions were fueled by anger over a property settlement following his divorce. Still, due to his coma, authorities have not been able to question him.
The incident happened despite strict security in the area because Zhuhai is hosting Airshow China, a significant civil and military event showcasing advanced warplanes and drones. BBC highlighted that the venue is only 40 km (24 miles) away from where the crash occurred.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene to Chinese media. Mr. Chen, who was at the stadium with a group walking on the designated path, told reporters they had just finished their third lap when the car sped towards them, hitting many people. Another witness shared that the vehicle drove around the entire track, injuring people in all areas of the stadium.
BBC mentioned that video clips of the incident, shared by witnesses, were quickly removed from Chinese social media, but some footage showing injured people being helped by paramedics and bystanders remained online.
President Xi Jinping expressed deep concern about the tragedy and ordered full efforts to treat the injured and harsh punishment for the attacker. BBC noted that the central government has sent a working group to assist local authorities in handling the aftermath.
This tragic incident adds to a series of recent violent attacks in China. BBC reminded readers of similar cases, including a stabbing spree in a Shanghai supermarket in September, where three people were killed, and the death of a 10-year-old Japanese student after a stabbing near his school in southern China.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy1k2rx724o