The number of people injured following yesterday's blasts at Shanghai Pudong International airport has risen to five, according to Shanghai Daily.
The terrifying scene unfolded yesterday at 2.26pm after an unidentified man grabbed a beer bottle with explosives and hurled it at a ticketing counter at Check-in Area C in Terminal 2. The man then took out a knife and attempted to kill himself by slashing his throat. He was taken away by police and currently remains in critical condition.
One eyewitness told That's: "We suddenly saw a group of people running towards us... Shortly after, two bombs went off very close together... we started running."
Official reports confirm that there was a second explosion shortly afterwards. One eyewitness told Shanghai Daily that the man attempted to grab something else out of his bag before another traveler knocked him over with a luggage trolley. Security footage circulating on WeChat shows the explosion caught on what seems to be security camera footage behind a ticketing counter at Shanghai International Airport Terminal 2. Watch below (VPN off):
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Four travelers were injured by broken glass from the explosion. Among the injured were a 53-year-old man from the Philippines, and at least two Chinese — a 67-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman. They sustained injuries to their heads, hands and legs and were treated at a nearby hospital. The fifth victim, believed to be Chinese, received treatment at the airport clinic before being sent back home.
The Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, which treated four of the victims, said that they performed surgery on a 30-year-old man for serious neck injuries. The man, believed to be the perpetrator, remains in the Intensive Care Unit. Images of what appeared to be his self-inflicted injuries were circulating on social media late yesterday.
The incident happened as many travelers were returning from the Dragon Boat holiday weekend and just a few days before the grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort.
Heightened Airport Security Measures
Authorities stepped up security measures at both Pudong and Hongqiao Airports following the incident, with passengers reportedly required to have their luggage inspected upon entry into Pudong International (PVG).
Security guards were also stationed at terminal entrances to manually inspect luggage before passengers entered PVG. Meanwhile, one traveler at Hongqiao wrote on social media that passengers were required to remove their shoes before entering security. The new measures at both airports are expected to increase waiting times.
Shortly after yesterday's explosions, check-in Area C was roped off. Thai Airways, Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines, all stationed in that area, were transferred to other sections of the airport. Around 20 armed police officers and 10 police officers were dispatched to check for explosives in the area.
At least three flights were delayed and one canceled — a 4pm flight to Manila. Airport authorities claimed no other flights were affected and that the situation was "under control."
Unclear Attacker Motives
The attacker from yesterday's incident has not be named, though he's been described by witnesses as being in his late 30s and 1.7m tall. His motive for carrying out the attack has not yet been officially disclosed.
The incident brings to mind a similar attack in 2013 that took place at Beijing Capital International Airport, when a man in a wheelchair set off a homemade bomb made of firework-like explosives near the International Arrivals gate. Ji Zhongxing, who was 34 at the time, reportedly acted out in response to being ignored by authorities following a brutal beating by chengguan in Dongguan that left him completely paralyzed. No other people in the area injured in the attack, though Ji sustained arm injuries. He was eventually sentenced to six years in prison.
[Images via CNN, Business Insider, Shanghai Daily]
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