A tragic incident unfolded in Zhuhai, China, where an SUV plowed into a crowd outside a sports complex, leaving dozens dead and many more injured. The attack shocked the community and drew attention to the complex challenges authorities face in managing public crises and media coverage.

Following the event, authorities closed the gates of the Zhuhai sports complex. As night fell, the grounds were enveloped in darkness, with only security guards patrolling the area. When BBC reporters arrived, security personnel monitored their presence and asked probing questions. Soon, a small group of locals gathered around the reporters, some expressing suspicion toward foreign media, highlighting the tense atmosphere that often surrounds sensitive events in China.

This kind of resistance to foreign media is not uncommon. In previous incidents, like the death of former Premier Li Keqiang, officials reportedly mobilized groups to deter journalists. Li’s passing, given his status as a liberal figure in the Chinese government, marked the end of an era, consolidating loyalty to President Xi Jinping. Such events underscore the lengths authorities go to control narratives and minimize disruption.

In similar cases, sites are quickly cleared of evidence. Last month, for instance, a shopping mall in Shanghai resumed normal operations shortly after a stabbing spree left several dead. The swift clean-up, while preventing potential copycat crimes, also raised concerns about how authorities handle transparency in the aftermath of violent events.

As Zhuhai residents gathered to remember the victims, lighting candles and offering blood donations, President Xi urged officials to improve public safety measures to prevent such incidents. Yet questions remain. The incident underscores the difficulties Chinese society faces in understanding and preventing such horrific acts.

As China grapples with the aftermath, both officials and citizens are left seeking answers and a sense of security amidst these troubling occurrences.