5 dead, 5 hurt in hit-and-run accident in Dalian

The suspect in a fatal car accident in Dalian on Saturday that left five pedestrians dead and injured five others wanted to take revenge on society after experiencing financial failure and losing confidence in life, police said Sunday afternoon.

The suspect, surnamed Liu, 31-year-old, could not accept the failure of an investment and lost confidence in life, Qu Bo, deputy head of Dalian police, said at a news conference on Sunday afternoon.

According to Qu, at about 11:40 am on Saturday, while Liu was driving along the Tangshan Street and waiting for the traffic light to turn green at Wuhui Road, he suddenly accelerated the speed of the car from 0 to 108 kilometers per hour in seven seconds (the speed limit for the road is 60 km/h), ran a red light at the next crossing, and hit pedestrians who were crossing the street. He then left the scene.

The police ruled out that Liu was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Liu was detained by police on suspicion of endangering public security by dangerous method.

Meanwhile, the treatment of the injured and taking care of the bodies and investigation of the case was proceeding in an orderly manner.

Led by Chen Shaowang, the mayor of Dalian, a special work group was set up immediately after the tragedy. The local health committee is in charge of treating the injured.

The case is under further investigation.