At least 15 people were injured — 13 of whom were hospitalized — after a vehicle struck pedestrians Thursday afternoon in the central business district of Melbourne, Australia, as holiday shoppers lined the streets, officials said.
The driver, who was not immediately identified, was arrested. A second person was also arrested, according to Victoria Police.
It is unclear if the incident, which occurred just after 4:30 p.m., was an intentional act.
Based on video footage from the scene, the vehicle was a white Suzuki SUV.
“Police are currently attending an incident on Flinders Street between Elizabeth and Swanston streets where a vehicle has collided with a number of pedestrians,” Victoria Police initially tweeted around 5 p.m. local time. “Police have arrested the driver of the car. Extent of injuries are not known at this stage.”
Police said “a number of people were treated at the scene for a range of injuries and have been transported to hospital.”
Transit authorities notified riders that routes through the area were being altered.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
