In Zhuhai, a city in southern China, a tragic mass killing has drawn both public anger and a heavy government response, following one of the deadliest attacks in the country in over a decade. On Monday, a male driver reportedly upset over a recent divorce settlement rammed his car into a crowd gathered at a sports center, claiming the lives of 35 people and injuring 43 others. Authorities took nearly a day to officially confirm the death toll, fueling frustration on Chinese social media platforms.
Mourners gathered at the scene, leaving wreaths, candles, and bottles of baijiu, a traditional Chinese liquor, in tribute to those who lost their lives. However, local authorities swiftly removed these offerings, intensifying security around the vigil site and reportedly censoring online posts critical of the government’s delayed response. Comments expressing grief, shock, and concerns over recent similar incidents in the country were swiftly removed from platforms, as the government sought to control the narrative.
For many citizens, the lack of immediate transparency has raised concerns about the handling of public tragedies and the broader issue of mental health. “The authorities hadn’t released any information at first—some colleagues mentioned it, and I couldn’t believe it until it was later confirmed,” shared a 50-year-old mourner, Zheng, who brought flowers to the scene. The government has since called for a thorough investigation into the incident, promising treatment for the wounded, yet tensions remain high as the community mourns in an atmosphere of unease and controlled expression.