- At least 18 people are injured, three in serious conditions after van ran over them
- Local media reported the driver was smoking in van when it swerved off road
- Witnesses said van burst into flames before the crash and was full of gas tanks
- The van ploughed down pedestrians in the heart of Chinese financial hub Friday
A van has ploughed down at least 18 people leaving three in serious conditions near a Starbucks store in China.
The minivan struck the pedestrians on a footpath in downtown Shanghai Friday afternoon.
Photos show the van bursting into flames as it is embanked on the pavement where a number of people try to put out the fire.
A van (pictured) has ploughed down at least 18 people leaving three in serious conditions near a Starbucks store in China
The minivan struck the pedestrians on a footpath in downtown Shanghai Friday afternoon
Photos show the van bursting into flames as it is embanked on the pavement (pictured)
Videos on social media showed people lying unconscious on the pavement next to a Starbucks cafe and firefighters trying to extinguish a blaze inside the van.
Witnesses told The People’s Daily newspaper the fire had since extinguished and that there were portable gas tanks in the van.
The crash happened in the heart of the Chinese financial hub near People’s Park, according to the city government’s social media account.
Local media reported the van was carrying six people when it swerved off the road.
The driver was reportedly smoking while he was driving before losing control.
The cause is being investigated.
Witnesses told The People’s Daily newspaper the fire had since extinguished and that there were gas canisters in the van
Local media reported the van was carrying six people when it swerved off the road near Starbucks (pictured)