On Monday, November 11, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded at a sports center in Zhuhai, a city in southern China, when a driver intentionally plunged his vehicle into a crowd of people. The incident resulted in the death of 35 individuals and severe injuries to 43 others, according to local law enforcement.
The assault took place at the Zhuhai Sports Centre during the morning exercise routine. As reported by local authorities, a 62-year-old driver, identified by his last name “Fan,” purposely drove his SUV into the crowd of people who were exercising around the track.
When attempting to apprehend the suspect, the police reported that Fan began stabbing himself with a knife and eventually lost consciousness after slicing his own throat. He is currently receiving emergency medical attention and is not in a position to be interrogated, according to the official police statement.
Early investigations reveal that Fan’s violent act was fueled by deep dissatisfaction with the outcomes of his divorce settlement. Local authorities reported that Fan had recently endured a heated divorce, where he felt wronged by the asset distribution, leading to a build-up of frustration and resentment.
An employee from the Shang Chong Hospital emergency clinic in Zhuhai confirmed that they treated several individuals with minor injuries, most of whom left the clinic after receiving treatment. Zhuhai People’s Hospital also admitted injured individuals but did not disclose the exact number of victims.
The deadly incident occurred just before the start of China’s largest bi-annual air show, an event hosted by Zhuhai since 1996. This significant event draws over 1,000 companies from almost 50 countries to the city, which may be the reason for the one-day delay in reporting the incident by authorities.
Located in Guangdong province, Zhuhai is one of China’s special economic zones and a crucial port city. The sports center where the incident occurred is a popular location for community activities and morning exercises.