CHONGQING: A tragic incident unfolded in Chongqing, a city located in southwestern China, on Saturday (June 14), resulting in one death and four injuries. This occurred when a driver, allegedly upset over being criticized for repeatedly honking his car horn, drove into a crowd.
According to a police report released on Sunday by the Banan district branch of the Chongqing Public Security Bureau, the driver, identified only by the last name Xiong, had been honking his horn persistently due to being blocked by another vehicle in the Banan area.
The other vehicle was reportedly unloading goods outside a residential complex, according to the statement.
The police described Xiong as a 38-year-old man but offered no additional details about him. They noted that his actions led to significant discontent among local residents, prompting many to confront him.
As the situation escalated into a conflict with the residents, Xiong attempted to escape by driving away, injuring those who tried to stop him, as per the police statement.
The Banan district police confirmed that one person died despite rescue attempts, while four others are receiving treatment for their injuries, which are not considered life-threatening.
Xiong is currently in police custody.
This incident comes just months after a lone-wolf attack that resulted in numerous fatalities, prompting authorities nationwide to enhance security measures amid concerns over public safety and social unrest.
On November 11, 62-year-old Fan Weiqiu intentionally drove his SUV into people exercising outside a sports center, killing 35 and injuring 43 others.
Fan was sentenced to death by the Zhuhai Intermediate People’s Court in December, which stated that he endangered public safety and was driven by personal issues, including a troubled marriage.
In light of such events, Chinese authorities are focused on bolstering security efforts, encouraging officials to ensure social order, and promoting local conflict resolution strategies to safeguard citizens.
This article was first published on SCMP.
