Minivan rams into pedestrians in Japan; 4 killed

A minivan ran through a crowded intersection and struck pedestrians in the western Japanese city of Kyoto on Thursday, killing four including the vehicle's driver, and injuring at least nine, some critically.

Rescue officials and witnesses said the minivan ignored a traffic light and entered a main intersection in Gion, Kyoto's main geisha district, knocking over pedestrians and smashing into an electric pole before stopping.

The area was packed with tourists and cherry blossom viewers.

Three pedestrians and the 30-year-old driver later died, Kyoto prefectural police spokesman Toshihiko Yoshioka said. Four people, including the wrecked minivan's only passenger, were in critical condition. The driver and passenger both went into cardiac arrest inside the van.

TV footage showed pools of blood and belongings scattered on the ground as paramedics treated those less seriously injured.
 

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.