Woman killed

Sobering news. I learned via an e-mail that someone I know in Xiamen hit and killed a female bicyclist while driving (translation) late last week. The damage to the vehicle indicates that he was driving very fast. He did not stop until taxi drivers forced him to — he had dragged her for 40 metres at this point.

I’m not going to say anything more, especially what I think (since I have known him for a few years), because (a) I wasn’t at the scene (nor am I even in the country any more); and (b) I don’t want to add to gossip (which will invariably be out of control in Xiamen right now).

The only thing I will say is pretty general, and applies to all foreigners in Xiamen: this is not a place where you can act any way you please and get away with it because you’re “a foreigner” (you know who you are); you are responsible for your actions, and all actions have consequences — some more serious than others. Please, please be careful.

• 29 Aug 2006

• Thinking