8 pedestrians hurt by lurching car in Changsha

Eight pedestrians were injured by a lurching car at Wuyi Square, a popular shopping center in Changsha, Hunan province, on Sunday evening, according to the Changsha Public Security Bureau.

Three people were badly injured and five others sustained minor injuries. They have been sent to hospitals.

The 47-year-old driver, surnamed Liu, is an employee of a ride-hailing service company. He has been detained by the police.

The dashcam video from the vehicle shows that Liu turned around in his seat to clear items in the back while waiting at a red light. Somehow the vehicle lurched forward out of control, the police said, adding that they are still evaluating the exact cause.

Video of the incident has trended on social media platforms, with some netizens saying the driver deliberately ran over the pedestrians. The police reminded the public not to spread rumors online.

Huang Xiaoying contributed to this story.