SHENYANG - At least five people were killed and 27 others injured in an automobile accident that occurred in Northeast China's Liaoning province on Tuesday, according to local authorities.

The accident occurred at 4:20 pm on the No 304 National Road near the city of Benxi. A heavy-duty truck collided with a medium-sized coach, a city government spokesman said.

Five people were confirmed dead as of 7:30 pm, while three of the injured are in critical condition, the spokesman said.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.