A devastating incident rocked the city of Zhuhai in southern China on Monday, November 11, as a man driving a small SUV rammed into pedestrians exercising around a popular sports complex, leaving 35 dead and 43 injured. Authorities reported the updated toll on Tuesday, with the number of casualties marking a tragic escalation from the initial report, which had suggested fewer injuries and no fatalities. This shocking event has left a city in mourning, raising questions about safety and stirring a wave of grief and anger across China.
The assailant, a 62-year-old man identified only by his surname, Fan, allegedly drove his vehicle through the gates of the city’s main sports center in an unprovoked and intentional act, police said. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as Fan’s car accelerated along the track, an area where many residents routinely gather for evening exercise.
Shortly after the incident, social media posts and video footage showing the aftermath began circulating online, displaying scenes of distress and confusion. In these videos, lifeless bodies could be seen lying on the ground, while others were frantically attempting to resuscitate the injured. However, much of this content quickly disappeared from social media platforms, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
Authorities provided their first official statement later that evening, initially only acknowledging that an “incident” had taken place. It wasn’t until Tuesday that they confirmed the number of deaths and injuries, attributing the attack to Fan’s alleged resentment over a property dispute related to his divorce.
The sports center in Zhuhai has long been a hub for locals to exercise and socialize, particularly around the track surrounding the stadium. On Monday evening, the scene was bustling with activity, as was typical. According to a man surnamed Chen, who spoke with Chinese news outlet Caixin, he had just completed his third lap around the track when he heard a vehicle accelerating. Chen was able to jump aside, narrowly avoiding harm, but many others were not as fortunate.
Another eyewitness, identified only as Liu, recounted how the SUV appeared to drive in deliberate loops around the track, striking people indiscriminately from all directions. “People were hurt in all areas of the running track — east, south, west, and north,” he told Caixin.
Authorities revealed that Fan had attempted to flee the scene after the attack. However, police “controlled him on the spot” as he tried to escape, apprehending him while he was allegedly in the process of injuring himself with a knife inside his car. Fan reportedly inflicted self-harm to his neck and other areas, leaving him in a critical condition and in a coma. Consequently, officials stated he has yet to be interrogated.
Preliminary investigations into Fan’s motivations have pointed to personal grievances. Police reported that Fan’s actions were likely “triggered by dissatisfaction with the division of property following his divorce,” indicating a possible emotional breakdown tied to personal circumstances.
Fan’s actions, while rooted in a private dispute, have deeply affected Zhuhai’s community. With President Xi Jinping calling for “all-out efforts” to treat the wounded and pledging a stringent legal response to the perpetrator, the tragedy has drawn attention to the broader social context surrounding violent public incidents in China.
In recent years, incidents of violent attacks in public spaces have become more frequent across China, creating a growing sense of unease. On Tuesday, Japan’s embassy in China issued a warning to its citizens to exercise caution, particularly advising them to avoid drawing attention through loud or disruptive behavior. Although no Japanese nationals were reportedly harmed in the Zhuhai attack, the embassy’s statement reflects an awareness of increasing safety concerns.
Several incidents in recent months have underscored these concerns. In October, a knife attack at a supermarket in Shanghai left three dead and 15 wounded. In July, a vehicle crash in Changsha resulted in the deaths of eight pedestrians. The nation also reeled from an incident in September in which a Japanese student was fatally stabbed in Shenzhen. These incidents, while not identical in nature, have collectively raised questions about the factors leading to these tragic events.
On Tuesday evening, as details continued to emerge, a makeshift memorial began to take shape outside the gates of the Zhuhai sports center. A few people gathered, some laying candles and flowers in honor of the victims. One delivery worker reported that he had brought over ten flower orders that evening alone, reflecting the city’s shared grief and shock.
Many who gathered expressed disbelief over the tragedy, with one resident commenting, “Zhuhai is supposed to be the safest city. Nothing like this has ever happened here in decades.” Another young man, who often ran on the same track but had missed his usual run on Monday due to fatigue, spoke of the unsettling reality that such violence had struck close to home.
Attempts to document the memorial and gather at the scene were curtailed by police officers and security personnel, who ordered those present not to film. By midnight, city workers began clearing the candles and flowers, explaining that they had received instructions to relocate the memorial, although no specific reason was provided.
In the immediate aftermath, Zhuhai residents were quick to rally in support of the injured. Videos on social media showed lines forming outside blood donation centers, as locals flocked to provide assistance. Outside the emergency room at a nearby hospital, an unusually large gathering of medical staff underscored the urgency with which authorities and healthcare providers responded.
However, the swift removal of footage and limited transparency from authorities have spurred questions regarding the flow of information. Zhuhai residents and local media have criticized what they perceive as a muted response from the press. One resident expressed dismay, noting that in the past, local media would have pressured officials for more comprehensive explanations.
Following President Xi Jinping’s directive for a thorough response, law enforcement and medical personnel across the city have been mobilized to handle both the immediate aftermath and long-term support for the victims. “Punishing the perpetrator in accordance with the law,” Xi emphasized, would be crucial in providing a sense of justice to the grieving families and the broader community.
President Xi’s statement highlighted the importance of both accountability and addressing root causes to prevent future tragedies. His remarks come amid a time of heightened national security awareness, as the government seeks to maintain public safety while addressing social issues that may contribute to such incidents.
Fan’s alleged motive — a dispute over property following his divorce — resonates as a reflection of broader societal stresses in modern China, where family disputes and property issues can escalate under the pressure of rapidly changing social norms. The attack has ignited discussions around the underlying social tensions that may lead to such violent outbursts.
In recent years, public safety measures have been a significant focus in Chinese cities, with local governments and law enforcement agencies increasing security in urban areas. However, incidents like this attack raise questions about the effectiveness of these measures, especially in locations like Zhuhai, previously considered relatively peaceful.
