On November 11, a tragic incident occurred in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, where a driver intentionally drove into a crowd of people. The authorities in Zhuhai reported that the incident resulted in the deaths of 35 individuals and left 43 others injured. Following the incident, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) swiftly moved to “maintain stability,” and information such as videos related to this “major malicious case” was promptly censored by the authorities.
Family members of the victims took to social media to share the heartbreaking scenes they experienced at the hospital after the incident. However, their accounts were quickly deleted after being republished by mainland Chinese media outlets like Netease.
At the time of the incident, both my father and mother were present at the scene. My father was running on the inner track, while the car circled the outer track a couple of times, indiscriminately targeting everyone. The chaos unfolded as the car crashed into the crowd – the marching band’s music blared loudly, drowning out the screams from those behind, leaving the front unable to escape.
It is believed that the number of injured individuals is likely much higher, with not only physical injuries but also psychological trauma that will haunt those who witnessed the tragic event for a lifetime.
When my father rushed over, my mother was already on the ground, one shoe missing. At that moment, my mother had weak breaths, and my father performed CPR on her. She showed some faint responses, and initially, my father thought she only suffered head and bone injuries.
Upon learning about the incident online close to 10 pm, I immediately called my father, who couldn’t answer as he didn’t carry his phone while jogging at night. Worried about their well-being due to the late hour and lack of response, I contacted my mother, through whom my father reassured me that everything was fine and told me not to worry, suggesting I could return in a couple of days.
However, despite my father’s reassurances, the circulating videos online left me restless. Hence, in the early hours of the morning, around 2 am, I arrived in Zhuhai. On the way home, my father asked me to return directly home as going to the hospital would be futile since my mother was in the ICU, inaccessible to us. Throughout the night, my father did not sleep, and the following morning around 6 am, he brought me to the hospital. Outside the ICU, another girl was crying, whose mother had also been injured the previous night, as we anxiously waited for updates.
Upon arrival, my father described the chaotic scene at the hospital, with delays in treatment due to the overwhelming situation. Initially, my mother could speak a few words, but as her blood pressure dropped, doctors shaved her head, issued a critical condition notice, and transferred her to the ICU.
In the afternoon, the doctor summoned the family into the room, detailing severe head and internal organ injuries, abdominal bleeding, and multiple fractures. Considering surgery, the doctor presented bleak possibilities – no awakening post-surgery, potential death during the procedure, or an extended life as a vegetative state if successful. Despite the dire prognosis, my father chose to proceed with the surgery as a last resort.
In moments of heartache, my eldest uncle, trying to find some dark humor amidst the sorrow, jokingly suggested the surgery would contribute to medical research and serve as a practical case. However, amidst the grief, there was no laughter; I stood in silence, overwhelmed by tears.
Twelve hours post-incident, there was a lack of police presence, media coverage, and updates on the victims’ statuses. The online information was scarce, with few relevant news reports available.
In the afternoon, three women claiming to be part of a neighborhood working group visited the hospital to inquire about my father’s well-being and offer support. Their gentle demeanor and comforting conversation were deeply appreciated during this distressing time. They stood by us throughout the surgery, providing emotional support and companionship.
As my father was being wheeled into the operating room, he called out my mother’s name, urging her to stay strong. I overheard his muffled sobs, attempting to mask his tears while trying to stay strong for us. Witnessing his pain, I avoided looking at him, knowing he was holding back tears and remaining composed as he answered calls from concerned individuals inquiring about my mother’s condition. The uncertainty of the surgery duration loomed over us as we awaited updates.
Furthermore, the online labeling of the incident as a “reckless march” was deemed disrespectful. The victims, predominantly retired middle-aged individuals aged 40-65, were merely engaging in their recreational activities at the sports center within designated areas and times. Encounters like these only deserve condemnation and retribution for those who make callous remarks.
Lastly, I extend my gratitude to all individuals who donated blood last night. Your selfless act of queuing up in the wee hours does not go unnoticed. Your kindness and generosity will surely bring blessings and positive outcomes in return.