October 15, 2025 | Nanjing, China
At least eight people have been killed and four others injured following a suspected drunk driving accident in east China’s Jiangsu Province, local authorities confirmed early Monday. The tragic crash has reignited public debate over road safety and drunk driving laws in China, prompting police to open a full-scale investigation into the incident.
According to a statement from the Jiangsu Provincial Public Security Department, the accident occurred late Sunday night on a highway section near Suqian City, when a sedan traveling at high speed veered into oncoming traffic and collided with two other vehicles.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they found multiple victims trapped in the wreckage. Seven people died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries after being taken to the hospital. Four others remain hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries, police said.
Authorities Suspect Alcohol Involvement
Initial police investigations indicate that the driver of the sedan, a 32-year-old man surnamed Li, may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Local police confirmed that Li’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was found to be well above the legal limit after on-site testing. He is currently in police custody and receiving medical treatment for minor injuries sustained in the accident.
Preliminary evidence suggests the driver was intoxicated,” said Suqian Traffic Police Bureau spokesperson Zhang Wei. “We have launched a full investigation to determine the cause, responsibility, and possible legal consequences of this tragic event.
Under Chinese law, drivers found guilty of causing death or serious injury while driving under the influence face up to life imprisonment and permanent revocation of their driver’s license.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Chaotic Scene
Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic and terrifying.” Several nearby drivers reported seeing the suspect’s car swerving erratically minutes before the crash.
I saw the car moving very fast, changing lanes without control,” said a truck driver who requested anonymity. “Within seconds, it slammed into another car, and there was a loud explosion sound. Everything happened so quickly.
Firefighters worked for hours to free victims trapped inside mangled vehicles. Videos shared on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo showed emergency crews using cutting equipment to rescue survivors from the wreckage, as smoke and debris filled the air.
China’s Drunk Driving Problem Resurfaces
The fatal crash comes amid growing concern about drunk driving incidents across China, despite the government’s zero-tolerance policy and tough penalties.
Authorities banned drunk driving in 2011, classifying it as a criminal offense. Yet, traffic authorities say thousands of cases still occur each year, especially during weekends and holidays.
In 2024 alone, Chinese traffic police recorded over 55,000 drunk driving offenses, resulting in hundreds of deaths and millions of yuan in property damage nationwide.
This accident is another painful reminder that some drivers continue to ignore the law and endanger innocent lives,” said Chen Li, a transport safety researcher at Tsinghua University. “Public education, strict enforcement, and social responsibility must work together to stop this trend.
Victims and Families Demand Justice
As news of the tragedy spread, relatives of the victims gathered outside Suqian Central Hospital, demanding answers and justice for their loved ones.
Many expressed frustration that despite previous government campaigns, drunk driving remains a recurring menace on Chinese roads.
My sister was just coming home from work,” said a grieving family member, speaking to local reporters. “She had her whole life ahead of her. This man’s reckless decision took everything from us.
Counselors and local officials have been dispatched to assist families of the deceased and injured, with the government promising financial compensation and legal support to affected households.
Police Pledge Tougher Measures
Following the crash, Jiangsu authorities announced an immediate province-wide crackdown on drunk driving, particularly targeting highways, nightlife districts, and rural roads.
Traffic officers have set up sobriety checkpoints in multiple cities, using advanced breathalyzer technology and AI-powered surveillance systems to identify suspicious drivers in real time.
There will be no leniency for drunk drivers,” said Colonel Liu Guang, head of the Jiangsu Road Safety Unit. “We will increase patrols, expand roadside testing, and ensure that every offender faces the full weight of the law.
The Ministry of Public Security also urged citizens to report suspected cases of drunk driving through China’s 12389 police hotline or online reporting platforms.
Social Media Outrage and Public Debate
The tragedy has sparked intense outrage on Chinese social media platforms, with hashtags like #SuqianCrash and #DrunkDrivingKills trending across Weibo and Douyin (TikTok China).
Many users called for stricter punishment and lifetime driving bans for offenders, while others demanded better public transport options at night to discourage drinking and driving.
Driving drunk is not an accident — it’s a choice,” one user wrote. “People need to stop treating it like bad luck and start treating it like a crime.
Activists and safety advocates also urged authorities to increase awareness campaigns, particularly targeting young adults and partygoers in urban centers.
China’s Ongoing Road Safety Challenges
Despite significant improvements in infrastructure and enforcement, China continues to face major road safety challenges. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the country records around 50,000 road fatalities annually — many caused by speeding, fatigue, and drunk driving.
The government has pledged to reduce traffic deaths by 20% by 2030 under its National Road Safety Action Plan, which includes enhanced driver education, smart traffic systems, and harsher criminal penalties.
Experts say the Suqian crash will likely accelerate calls for automated alcohol detection systems in vehicles and mandatory driver re-education programs for offenders.
A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented
As China mourns the eight victims of this latest tragedy, many are left wondering how such accidents continue to occur despite existing safeguards.
The Suqian crash serves as yet another reminder that driving under the influence remains one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of death on China’s roads.
Authorities hope that the ongoing investigation and public outrage will lead to tougher enforcement, stronger deterrents, and a renewed culture of responsibility among drivers.
