Zhang Po County China: Mass UFO Sighting Causes Stampede, Two Deaths
In Zhang Po County, Fujian Province, approximately 3,000 people witness a large luminous UFO during an outdoor movie screening. The object descends toward the crowd, causing mass panic and a stampede. Two people die in the stampede and many others are injured. The object is described as enormous, disc-shaped, and intensely luminous. Chinese authorities document the incident but do not release information publicly for years. This is one of the few UFO events worldwide that directly resulted in civilian casualties.
Background
1. On July 7, 1977, a mass UFO sighting in Zhang Po County, Fujian Province, China, resulted in a deadly stampede. Approximately 3,000 people witnessed two luminous objects descend toward them during an outdoor movie screening, causing panic and resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries.
The Incident
At approximately 8:30 p.m. on July 7, 1977, nearly 3,000 people were watching an outdoor movie in Zhang Po County, Fujian Province. Two orange, luminous objects were observed descending toward the crowd. The objects were described as being only ten feet apart.
The objects passed low overhead, reportedly "almost scraping the ground," emitting intense light and heat. Despite their proximity, they were perfectly silent. The objects then ascended rapidly and disappeared within ten seconds. The sudden appearance and rapid departure of the objects triggered mass panic, leading to a stampede. Two children died, and 200 other people were injured in the ensuing chaos.
Investigation
Authorities initially suspected an optical illusion related to the film being screened. However, this explanation was ruled out following an investigation. No official explanation for the event was ever given.
Significance
The Zhang Po County incident is significant as a documented case of a mass UFO sighting resulting in fatalities. It highlights the potential for panic and injury associated with close encounters. The event also occurred during a period of increasing openness in China, with growing interest in ufology and more frequent reporting of UFO sightings. The case was recorded by researcher Paul Dong, along with several dozen other reports from the summer of 1977.