Madman Runs Over Pedestrians in Workers' Stadium Rampage

At least eight pedestrians were injured this morning when a 60-year-old Beijinger ran amok in his Buick immediately outside the west entrance to the Workers' Stadium, Chinese press reports indicate.

Wearing a white headband adorned with the character 寃 ("injusticed"), the man struck the pedestrians before ramming into another car and coming to a halt. The man was apprehended at the scene and the injured were immediately sent to area hospitals where one was reported deceased.

The man told police he was disgruntled due to losing a housing dispute in the district court this morning and immediately drove to the stadium. One witness contacted at the scene said that there may have been a passenger in the car as well, though the person is not referred to or identified in Chinese press reports. Some are characterizing the event as a suicide attempt.

The scene is apparently covered with a large amount of blood from the pedestrians that were injured. Chinese press reports say one person has been confirmed dead, and among those reported injured are three elderly people and several workers involved in installing ice sculptures for a new wintertime attraction at the stadium.

As of noon today the area around Gongti West Gate remained closed off for investigation, so expect traffic delays in the area.

Photos: Dion Vainio