A 62-year-old man’s reported frustration over a divorce settlement erupted into horrifying violence on November 11, 2024, when he allegedly drove a car into crowds at a busy sports centre in Zhuhai, China, killing 35 people and injuring 43 others. In a brutal attack that has shocked the nation, the man, known only by his surname Fan, is said to have used his car as a weapon, driving erratically in circles and striking pedestrians across multiple areas of the sports complex. The tragic incident unfolded as onlookers and families gathered for evening exercise, turning the bustling area into a scene of chaos and devastation.

Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect’s vehicle sped around the facility, hitting people in all directions, with a pattern that seemed calculated to cause maximum harm. According to one witness, Fan’s car “moved in loops” across different sections of the track, leaving many unable to escape the path of his vehicle. Despite the high security already present in the city for the upcoming Airshow China, the deliberate and violent nature of this attack has left a profound impact on the local community and beyond.

President Xi Jinping calls for strict legal action

Following news of the attack, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a public call for “severe punishment in accordance with the law.” President Xi’s directive for the strictest possible legal measures reflects both the scale of the tragedy and the government’s response to public outrage. Many of the injured were reportedly elderly, teenagers, and children, making the attack’s indiscriminate nature all the more heartbreaking.

Authorities have confirmed that Fan was taken into custody shortly after the attack. Reports indicate that, following his arrest, he attempted to harm himself by inflicting a neck wound with a knife while still in his car. He remains in a coma in a local hospital, preventing authorities from questioning him immediately. Early investigations have linked Fan’s motive to ongoing dissatisfaction with a recent divorce settlement, including disputes over property division. This grievance reportedly drove him to carry out the violent rampage in an apparent act of revenge.

Zhuhai on high alert ahead of Airshow China

The attack took place just as Zhuhai prepared to host the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, which draws global attendees and exhibitors to the city. The high-profile nature of the event has intensified security concerns, and local authorities have since increased police presence and surveillance in the area to reassure the public and prevent similar incidents. The heightened security for the airshow may lead to additional safety protocols being implemented city-wide to address any underlying social issues that could lead to public violence.

Expert calls for greater social support

A sociologist specializing in family dynamics and social crises, commented on the underlying factors that may have contributed to Fan’s attack. He emphasized that situations like these often stem from unresolved personal grievances that can escalate into public threats if not adequately addressed. The sociologist underscored the importance of support systems, suggesting that accessible mental health resources could prevent such incidents in the future. “When personal issues become unmanageable, they can spiral into larger societal concerns,” the expert observed, urging authorities to take preventive measures.

Community reaction and support for victims

In the aftermath of the attack, the local Zhuhai community has come together to support victims and their families. Local hospitals have initiated blood donation drives to assist with the treatment of the wounded, and counseling services are being provided to those directly affected. The city’s response underscores the collective shock and grief that have permeated the community in the wake of this tragedy.

The incident has led to public debates on the effectiveness of current social support systems, and calls for reform have grown louder in the days following the attack. Many citizens are urging the government to focus on early intervention strategies that could identify and address personal grievances before they erupt into public violence.

Legal proceedings anticipated as public mourns

As Fan recovers from his injuries, the public is closely following developments and awaiting legal proceedings. While Fan remains unable to face questioning due to his injuries, police are piecing together evidence to determine the full scope and motive behind his actions. The tragedy has prompted widespread condemnation and demands for stricter measures to address grievances that may otherwise escalate into catastrophic events.

The Zhuhai hit-and-run attack highlights the complex interplay between personal issues and public safety, raising questions about the role of social support in preventing such devastating incidents. With President Xi’s call for strict legal action and public demands for systemic changes, the case has become emblematic of the broader social challenges facing modern Chinese society.

  Airshow China, China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, Fan, Xi Jinping, Zhuhai