A van has caught fire and plowed into pedestrians in a busy area in downtown Shanghai in China, injuring 18 people.
The incident happened on Friday morning when a minivan hit the pedestrians on a road next to People’s Square and burst into flames, the Shanghai government said in a statement.
Eighteen people were sent to hospitals for treatment after the crash, with three reported to be seriously injured.
According to the Shanghai public security bureau, the driver was a 40-year-old surnamed Chen, who was smoking a cigarette inside the vehicle that contained “dangerous substances” that apparently ignited.
Shanghai police said that Chen, who is currently receiving treatment, is suspected of illegally transporting dangerous substances.
Local media reported the vehicle was carrying six people and several tanks of gas.
Police said the crash was an accident and not a terrorist attack.