In a major case of hit-and-run in China, at least 35 people have been killed in the nation's southern city of Zhuhai in Guangdong province. The incident also left 43 people injured, reported news agency Reuters. A 62-year-old man was arrested after the incident that unfolded outside a sports centre. The stadium was hosting the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, where the new Russian Su-57 was also being displayed.
According to Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua, President Xi Jinping has asked officials to ensure urgent treatment for the people injured in the hit-and-run case on Monday.
The accused, whose surname is Fan, ploughed through the crowd in a small car. According to BBC, Fan was arrested while trying to escape. But he is now in a coma as a result of "self-inflicted wounds", the BBC quoted the Chinese police. Fan was reportedly disturbed over the property distribution in a divorce case against his wife.
Footage from the site showed the deceased lying on the road after the car ran over them. Soon after the incident, Chinese social media was flooded with queries for the images of the incident. However, most of the photos and videos had been taken down by the government.
Violent crime is uncommon in China, largely due to stringent security measures and strict gun control laws. Nevertheless, a recent increase in knife-related attacks in major cities has sparked public concern about safety in public areas.
In October, a knife incident in Beijing resulted in five injuries near a prominent primary school. The previous month, a Japanese student was tragically stabbed outside his school in Shenzhen.
This week, Zhuhai is hosting China’s largest annual air show, featuring the debut display of a new stealth fighter jet.