On the eve of the opening of the Communist Party Airshow on November 11th, at 7:45 pm, a major malicious incident occurred at the sports center in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, where a man intentionally rammed into people, causing widespread casualties and chaos. Local residents described the scene as horrifying, with casualties everywhere. The police announced that 35 people died and 43 were injured and hospitalized. The case shook the central government, prompting Xi Jinping to order enhanced risk control measures to prevent similar extreme incidents.
On November 12th, the Zhuhai police released a statement stating that the 62-year-old suspect, Fan, drove a compact off-road vehicle through the gate into the sports center, ramming into citizens exercising on the internal roads. The suspect was apprehended as he tried to flee, but he inflicted severe self-harm with a knife while in the vehicle, causing unconsciousness from serious injuries to his neck and other parts. It was revealed that the incident stemmed from Fan’s dissatisfaction with the outcome of property division after his divorce.
Due to the large number of casualties, the blood station in Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai City, issued an urgent call for blood donations that night. Following the incident, the sports center immediately announced its closure and stated that the reopening time was to be determined. An emergency notice was issued, advising residents to avoid the area and not to share videos of the injured individuals on social media.
According to witnesses who spoke to Epoch Times, at the time of the incident, many people were walking, jogging, and exercising at the sports center, including members of hiking groups. The vehicle involved in the incident circled the outer track twice before plowing into the crowd, causing injuries to multiple members of the hiking group.
Some family members of the victims shared their experiences, recounting the chaos and delay in medical treatment at the hospital. Concerns were raised about the lack of follow-up by authorities regarding the condition of the injured individuals. As videos and reports surfaced on social media platforms, discussions among local residents suggested that the death toll could exceed the official figures.
Criticism pointing at the official number of deaths as being questionable resurfaced online. One blog post referred to the “35 Deaths Rule,” a widely circulated concept in China’s safety management field, suggesting that officials face dismissal if the number of fatalities in an incident surpasses 35. This stringent requirement reflects China’s strict safety standards, though data manipulation concerns persist.
As officials continue to investigate and address the aftermath of the tragic event, fears and shock linger among witnesses and the community. The psychological impact on individuals, particularly those who directly witnessed the incident, is expected to be long-lasting.
The incident, which occurred on the opening day of the Communist Party Airshow, prompted speculation and theories regarding the suspect’s motives. While some speculated about potential motives related to military displays, local internet users dismissed such claims, emphasizing the assailant’s personal grievances and mental state.
Amidst public skepticism and scrutiny of the suspect’s background, questions arose online about the timing and nature of the incident. Experts and commentators expressed concerns about the prevalence of such violent incidents in Chinese society, attributing them to economic hardships, moral decay, and a sense of societal despair.
Xi Jinping and the State Council Premier issued directives condemning the heinous nature of the attack and emphasizing the need to punish criminals and prevent extreme events. Yet, analysts warned that with China’s political instability and societal challenges, similar incidents may become more frequent in the future.
Reflecting on the incident and its broader implications, media veteran Sheng Xue highlighted the authoritarian control and societal pressures in China, leading to a culture of despair and violence. She emphasized the urgent need for addressing systemic issues and restoring moral values to prevent further tragedies.
In conclusion, the tragic events in Zhuhai underscore the pressing need for comprehensive reforms and social solutions to address the root causes of such violent acts. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Chinese society and the imperative of fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and mutual respect to ensure a safer and more humane future for all.