In brief
A car collided with a crowd at a Zhuhai stadium, resulting in numerous injuries amid ongoing airshow activities in the area.
A chaotic scene unfolded in Zhuhai, China, on Monday evening when a car crashed into a crowd of pedestrians outside the Zhuhai Sports Centre, leading to multiple injuries. The 62-year-old driver, identified by the surname Fan, has since been taken into custody by local authorities. Reports indicate that at least 20 individuals, who were participating in outdoor exercises around the stadium, have been hospitalized following the incident. Several videos shared by witnesses, which have since been removed from Chinese social media, show devastating images of victims lying on the ground and paramedics administering aid. Eyewitnesses reported that some individuals appeared unconscious due to the force of the impact.Mr. Chen, an observer at the event, revealed to Caixin magazine that several groups had gathered for their evening walks along a designated path that encircles the stadium when the incident occurred. He expressed disbelief as a vehicle suddenly sped towards them, "knocking down many people." Another eyewitness detailed how the vehicle seemed to drive randomly around the running track, leaving injuries in every direction.The gathering for evening exercise was particularly vulnerable, with many elderly individuals and children among those hurt. Authorities have not confirmed a direct connection between the incident and the nearby Zhuhai Airshow, which commenced the following day, featuring China's latest military aircraft and drones. Prominent Russian official Sergei Shoigu is anticipated to attend the show.Security measures at the sports centre have intensified due to the airshow, resulting in the closure of various entrances and exits for better control, as stated by the venue's management. This tragic event follows a worrying trend of violent acts against civilians throughout China in recent months, including a stabbing incident that left several dead in Shanghai and another tragedy involving a young student in southern China.
