Driver Rams Car Into Crowd in Zhuhai, China, Killing 35

In a tragic incident that has shocked the nation, a 62-year-old man in Zhuhai, China, drove his car into a crowd of people exercising at a sports complex, resulting in the deaths of 35 individuals and injuring 43 others. Authorities have reported that the man was upset over his divorce settlement, which may have driven him to commit this horrific act. The attack occurred on a Monday night, coinciding with the opening of the People’s Liberation Army’s annual aviation exhibition, an event that typically attracts significant attention.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos as people were enjoying their evening activities, which included running, playing soccer, and dancing. Videos shared on social media showed the aftermath, with many victims lying on the ground and emergency responders attempting to provide aid. One video captured a woman exclaiming, "my foot is broken," while a firefighter performed CPR on another victim. These images starkly contrast the usual peaceful atmosphere of the sports complex, which is frequented by local residents.

Following the attack, police quickly detained the suspect, identified only by his family name, Fan. He was found in his car with a knife and was believed to have inflicted wounds on himself. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was dissatisfied with the division of financial assets in his divorce, which may have contributed to his violent outburst.

This incident is not isolated; China has witnessed several attacks targeting the public in recent years. In October, a man was arrested for attacking children with a knife at a school in Beijing, injuring five. Similarly, in September, a knife attack in a Shanghai supermarket resulted in three deaths and 15 injuries, with the suspect reportedly acting out of personal financial disputes. Such events raise concerns about public safety and the mental health of individuals facing personal crises.

Chinese authorities have been criticized for their tight control over information related to this incident. In the hours following the attack, social media platforms were scrubbed of posts discussing the event, and news articles were removed. This censorship is often heightened during significant national events, such as the aviation exhibition or the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress, leading to frustration among citizens seeking transparency.

In response to the tragedy, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called for the "strict" punishment of the perpetrator and urged local governments to enhance risk prevention measures. He emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes promptly to prevent such extreme cases from occurring in the future.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of unresolved personal issues and the importance of mental health support. As communities grapple with the aftermath, it is crucial to foster open dialogues about emotional well-being and provide resources for those in distress. Only through understanding and addressing these underlying issues can society hope to prevent similar tragedies in the future.