SHANGHAI • Eighteen people were injured yesterday, three seriously, after a van caught fire and ploughed into pedestrians on a crowded pavement in central Shanghai..
SHANGHAI • Eighteen people were injured yesterday, three seriously, after a van caught fire and ploughed into pedestrians on a crowded pavement in central Shanghai.
Shanghai police said a preliminary investigation indicated that the crash during the morning rush hour was an accident.
It said the fire was caused by the driver – a 40-year-old man surnamed Chen – smoking a cigarette inside the vehicle. He worked for a metalware company in Shanghai and had no criminal history.
Mr Chen, who is currently receiving treatment, is suspected of illegally transporting dangerous substances, police said.
In a short statement, the Shanghai government said the incident occurred on a road running next to People’s Square, and 18 people were injured.
Mr Zhang Sai, a security guard at an adjacent building, told Agence France-Presse that the van veered out of control and mounted the kerb, striking pedestrians and sending others scurrying to get out of the way.
« It happened at around 8.50am. The van was on fire before it crashed on the sidewalk, » he said.
