Deadly Car Ramming Attack in Zhuhai, China

35 Killed, 43 Injured in Hit-and-Run Incident

A security guard stands patrols near a sports centre in Zhuhai, China, where a man rammed his car into people exercising, killing at least 35, according to local police. (AP pic)

A devastating hit-and-run attack at a sports centre in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai has left 35 people dead and 43 severely injured, local police announced on Tuesday.

Incident Details

The incident occurred at 7:48 pm on Monday when a small off-road vehicle was driven into a large group of people exercising outside the sports centre. The suspect, a 62-year-old man surnamed Fan, was arrested at the scene after attempting to flee and was later taken to hospital with severe neck injuries caused by self-harm.

Preliminary Investigation

Police have launched a preliminary investigation, which suggests that the incident was triggered by Fan’s discontent following a divorce. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.

Response from Authorities

President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out efforts to treat the injured and demanded severe punishment for the perpetrator. The central government has dispatched a team to provide guidance on handling the case. CCTV reported that Xi has also called for the incident to be thoroughly investigated and for the perpetrator to be brought to justice.

Safety Concerns in Public Spaces

The incident has drawn attention to safety concerns in public spaces, particularly in the wake of a rise in reports of knife attacks in large cities. In October, a knife attack in Beijing left five people wounded outside one of the city’s top primary schools, while a month earlier, a Japanese student was fatally stabbed outside his school in Shenzhen.

Background

Violent crime is rare in China due to tight security and strict gun laws. However, the country has experienced a series of violent incidents in recent years, including a 2013 stabbing spree in Kunming that left 31 people dead and 141 injured.

Conclusion

The car ramming attack in Zhuhai is a shocking reminder of the devastating consequences of violent crime. As authorities continue to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrator to justice, the nation is left to mourn the loss of life and grapple with the implications for public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people were killed in the car ramming attack in Zhuhai?
A: At least 35 people were killed.

Q: How many people were injured in the attack?
A: 43 people were severely injured.

Q: What is the motive behind the attack, according to police?
A: The motive is still unclear, but police have suggested that it was triggered by the suspect’s discontent following a divorce.

Q: What is President Xi Jinping’s response to the incident?
A: Xi has ordered all-out efforts to treat the injured and demanded severe punishment for the perpetrator.