Zhuhai tragedy: SUV attack leaves 35 dead amidst airshow prep

The tragedy occurred on Monday before noon. According to local police, 62-year-old Fan, a divorcee, forcefully struck people exercising and walking on a track and the plaza near a sports centre then attempted to flee the scene.

Security services reported that the perpetrator was apprehended while "sitting in the vehicle, inflicting knife wounds on himself." The man was taken to hospital with neck and leg injuries; he is currently in a coma.

Police stated that Fan's motive was "dissatisfaction with the division of his property after the divorce." This is another case of a desperate act described as "revenge on society," which has occurred in China in recent years. Such attacks, like knife assaults in schools or deliberate pedestrian hits, often stem from personal frustrations or a desire for revenge against government decisions.

The Hong Kong newspaper "Mingpao" notes that even on Monday evening, the first reports from Chinese media and posts from internet users were being removed, and materials on social media were being replaced with the message "the file cannot be displayed." According to the newspaper, authorities were trying to swiftly censor the information to avoid panic before the start of the international Zhuhai Airshow.

During the Zhuhai Airshow, which runs until Sunday, the Chinese J-35A fighter and the Russian Su-57 were showcased. The authorities wanted to avoid the negative impact of the news of the attack on the country's image during this prestigious event.

In China, the problem of desperate attacks on random individuals is growing. Experts point out that such behaviour often causes dissatisfaction with personal life or a desire for revenge due to officials' decisions.