Minivan rams into pedestrians in Shanghai, 18 hurt: Reports

Image Credit: CGTN

SHANGHAI: A minivan plowed into pedestrians in front of a Starbucks store in downtown Shanghai, injuring at least 18 people. The van was carrying gas tanks and caught fire at the time of the accident, said eyewitnesses. The fire has been put out now.

Three persons are seriously injured, informed the Chinese media. 

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

The incident occurred at People`s Park in Shanghai around 9.00 am when residents were on their way to work.

Van plowed into pedestrians in Shanghai. Several dead, many more injured. Gas tanks were found in the van. pic.twitter.com/T9O5qZXt1Z — Augustus Manchurius (@1984to1776) February 2, 2018

Van plowed into pedestrians in Shanghai. Several dead, many more injured. Gas tanks were found in the van. pic.twitter.com/vekaMJQmQ9 — Augustus Manchurius (@1984to1776) February 2, 2018

Several people took to social media to tweet images and videos of the accident.

A Shanghai police statement said a preliminary investigation indicated that the driver of the van, a 40-year-old man, had been smoking while driving and that the vehicle had contained "dangerous substances" that apparently ignited.

Several fire trucks and police cars were pictured at the scene.

With agency inputs