Authorities in southern China have taken a 62-year-old man into custody after a car struck multiple pedestrians at the Zhuhai Sports Center on Monday evening. The incident, which occurred around 8 p.m., left scores of people injured as the driver fled the scene. Investigations are currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run.
Reports indicate that the injured individuals were promptly transported to four hospitals for medical treatment, with one facility receiving more than 20 patients. While Chinese officials have not disclosed the exact number of casualties, state media coverage suggests a significant impact on the victims.
The tragic event unfolded on the eve of China's prominent civil and military airshow, scheduled to take place from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai. Witness accounts and online videos depict a chaotic scene at the sports center, with numerous individuals lying on jogging tracks and grounds, many of them wearing sports attire.
The vehicle involved in the incident, identified as an SUV, reportedly crashed into multiple fitness walking groups, injuring participants across different sections of the sports field's circular track. The victims ranged from middle-aged and elderly individuals to teenagers and children, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the collision.
The Zhuhai Sports Center, a popular venue for local residents engaging in daily exercises, announced its temporary closure following the tragic occurrence. This incident has raised concerns about public safety in China, a country with generally low violent crime rates but recent incidents targeting random members of the public.
In light of previous attacks, including a stabbing near an elementary school in Beijing and a knife assault at a Shanghai supermarket, authorities are vigilant about ensuring the safety of citizens. The tragic bus crash in Tai'an city, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced security measures to protect the public from such unforeseen events.
