On Monday evening, a devastating incident unfolded at the Zhuhai Sports Center in southern China, resulting in the loss of thirty-five lives and leaving over 40 individuals injured. The chaos ensued when a car, driven by a 62-year-old man, careened into citizens who were exercising on the grounds of the outdoor sports center.
Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, managing to restrain the driver as he attempted to flee. The aftermath of the hit-and-run was captured in online videos, depicting a scene of horror with numerous individuals sprawled on jogging tracks and surrounding areas, amidst scattered shoes.
Reports indicate that the vehicle, identified as an SUV, struck multiple fitness walking groups, comprising individuals of various age groups. The injured victims, many of whom were middle-aged and elderly, included teenagers and children as well.
Eye-witnesses described the harrowing event, with one individual recounting how the vehicle struck people across different sections of the sports field's circular track. The Zhuhai Sports Center, a popular spot for local residents to engage in daily exercises, announced its closure following the tragic incident.
China, known for its generally low violent crime rates, has been confronted with a series of attacks targeting random members of the public in recent times. Incidents such as a stabbing near an elementary school in Beijing, a knife attack at a suburban supermarket in Shanghai, and a bus crash outside a school in Shandong province have shaken the nation.
As investigations into the Zhuhai Sports Center tragedy unfold, the nation mourns the lives lost and prays for the swift recovery of those injured in this senseless act of violence.
