ZHUHAI, China. A tragic incident unfolded late Monday in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, as a 62-year-old man deliberately drove his vehicle into a crowd of people exercising at a popular sports center, resulting in 35 deaths and 43 injuries, local police reported.
The incident took place at a sports center in Xiangzhou district, where hundreds regularly gather to run, play soccer, and participate in social dance activities. Authorities identified the driver only by his family name, Fan, in line with standard practice by Chinese officials. Fan was detained at the scene, and investigations are ongoing, with no motive disclosed at this time.
State media reported that one of the hospitals handling the aftermath received over 20 injured individuals, underscoring the gravity of the tragedy. Emergency services were swift to respond, as videos circulating online showed firefighters performing CPR on some of the victims. In one video, a woman can be heard saying, “My foot is broken,” while others are seen lying injured on the track field.
The disturbing scenes were initially shared by news blogger Li Ying, known as “Teacher Li” on X, where he regularly posts news updates based on user submissions. Dozens of people were shown lying on the track in various states of injury.
By Tuesday morning, Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo had heavily censored mentions of the incident. Searches for the sports center yielded only limited posts, with no photos or details. Articles published by Chinese media on Monday night were reportedly removed. This level of censorship is common during high-profile events or sensitive political times in China, such as the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress.
Following the incident, the Xiangzhou district sports center announced it would close until further notice. The center has long been a popular gathering place for residents of all ages to engage in recreational and social activities. Its closure, combined with the gravity of Monday’s tragedy, has cast a shadow over the city.
China has experienced a number of violent incidents in recent years where attackers have targeted public places. In October, a man reportedly injured five people in a knife attack at a Beijing school. The month prior, three people were killed in a knife attack at a supermarket in Shanghai.
This horrific incident in Zhuhai, occurring just as the city prepared to host the annual aviation exhibition by the People’s Liberation Army, has left the community in shock and mourning. Police continue their investigation into the tragedy, as the country grapples with yet another attack on random citizens in a public space.
