Authorities in Zhuhai, southern China, say a man crashed into a group of people working out at a stadium on Monday, killing at least 35 people and injuring 43 more. Mr. Fan, a 62-year-old male driver, rammed his SUV over a barrier at Zhuhai Sports Centre in what local police described as a "serious and vicious attack".According to Chinese media, the injured included many old individuals, youths, and toddlers. According to police, the driver was detained while attempting to leave and is now in a coma due to self-inflicted wounds. Following claims that the incident is being blocked online in China, BBC journalists were instructed to stop filming while reporting from the stadium on Tuesday.
By Tuesday morning, the majority of the witness-shared recordings of the incident had been removed from Chinese social media, but some footage remained online featuring paramedics and bystanders tending to scores of people lying on the ground. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged "all-out efforts" to treat the injured and "severe punishment" for those responsible.
The incident occurred despite increased security in Zhuhai, which is staging a major international military airshow this week. Initial investigations showed that the attack was motivated by Mr Fan's dissatisfaction with a divorce property settlement. Because he is still in a coma, he has not been questioned, according to authorities.In China, it is not uncommon for residents to regularly use stadiums as exercise facilities. Mr Chen, an eyewitness, told Chinese news magazine Caixin that at least six groups were at the stadium for their regular walks when the tragedy occurred. The groups follow a prescribed walking path around the stadium's perimeter. Mr. Chen stated that his group had just finished its third loop around the stadium when a car suddenly rushed towards them at high speed, "knocking down many people".
"It drove in a loop, and people were hurt in all areas of the running track - east, south, west, and north," said another eyewitness. The incident occurred 40km (24 miles) from another venue where the high-profile Airshow China began on Tuesday. China is showcasing its newest warplanes and attack drones at the show, which top Russian defense official and former defense minister Sergei Shoigu is expected to attend.
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