Vehicle Crashes into Pedestrians Near Beijing School, Children Among Injured
Beijing, China – A vehicle crashed into pedestrians near a primary school in Beijing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, leaving an unknown number of people injured, with initial reports suggesting children are among the casualties. The incident has cast a somber shadow, adding to a troubling pattern of similar events in China.
The Incident: What We Know
The accident occurred around 1:00 PM local time near the intersection of Yucai Road and Dongmen Street in Beijing's Miyun district, a bustling area that hosts Miyun No. 1 Primary School. This school caters to children aged six to 12.
Police identified the driver as a 35-year-old man, surnamed Han, stating he "collided" with pedestrians "due to an improper operation." The vehicle involved was a grey SUV, which was later seen wedged against a tree at the scene.
While official numbers on the injured remain unreleased, online footage disturbingly shows young people lying on the street. Nearby shop owners reported several children were hurt, and at least two local hospitals are confirmed to be treating victims. Authorities have not yet confirmed any fatalities.
The aftermath, captured in online videos, depicted a chaotic scene with a bloodied young person receiving first aid and personal items scattered across the road. Police quickly established a cordon, and an AFP team noted about 30 onlookers before journalists were directed to leave the area. A pickup truck was later observed removing the remnants of the tree struck by the vehicle.
Police have stated the "accident is under further investigation," and it remains unclear whether the crash was deliberate.
A Troubling Trend
This incident sadly fits into a disturbing pattern of mass casualty events in China, including stabbings and vehicle attacks, which have raised questions about public security. There have been several similar occurrences involving vehicles hitting people, often tragically near schools.
For instance, in November 2024, a man repeatedly rammed his car into a crowd outside a primary school in Hunan province, injuring 30 people, including 18 pupils. In previous cases, attackers were often identified as individuals experiencing distress or depression, seemingly targeting random people out of anger.
Chinese authorities are known for implementing strict censorship on news and discussions surrounding such incidents, reportedly to prevent panic and deter copycat crimes. In the wake of Thursday's accident, photos and comments quickly disappeared from local social media platforms.
What are your thoughts on the impact of media censorship in such situations?
