35 dead, 43 injured as driver runs into crowd in China

At least 35 people were killed and 43 others injured when a car drove into a crowd of people who were exercising outside a stadium in Zhuhai, China.

The police reported that the incident took place on Monday, November 11, when a 62-year-old driver identified as Fan rammed his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) into a crowd at the sport centre.

The police labelled this as a ‘serious and malicious attack.’

Media outlets in China stated that many of the victims were elderly, along with some teenagers and children.

Fan was arrested while attempting to flee the scene but is now in a coma due to injuries he sustained in what is believed to be a self-inflicted wound.

The attack occurred despite increased security measures in the city, which is currently hosting a major civil and military airshow.

Police have stated that preliminary investigations indicate the ramming attack may have been driven by Fan’s frustration with the outcome of a property settlement following his divorce.

However, because he is in a coma, authorities are currently unable to question him.

An anonymous male eyewitness stated at least six groups of people had gathered at the stadium for their usual walks when the incident occurred.

The groups were walking along a designated path that circles the stadium.

He explained that his group had just finished their third lap when a car suddenly sped toward them, ‘knocking down many people.’

“It drove in a loop, and people were hurt in all areas of the running track – east, south, west, and north,” another eyewitness said.

It is uncertain whether the incident is connected to the high-profile Airshow China, which began on Tuesday, November 12 at a venue just 40kilometres approximately 24 miles from the stadium.

The management of the sports centre reported on Tuesday, November 12 that several of its entrances and exits had been closed during the airshow for security reasons.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed grave concern over the incident, ordering authorities to do everything possible to treat the injured and demanding that the perpetrator be severely punished.

In response, the central government has sent a working group to assist in managing the situation.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.