Driver who killed 5 pedestrians is executed

A man who killed five people and injured eight others in a hit-and-run vehicle assault in 2021 in Dalian, Liaoning province, was executed on Friday, a local court reported.

The Intermediate People's Court of Dalian released a notice that the Supreme People's Court had approved the execution of Liu Dong in accordance with legal procedures.

Angry about a failed investment on May 22, 2021, Liu was driving along Wuhui Road at about 11:40 am. Waiting for a traffic light to turn green, he suddenly accelerated through the intersection. He ran another red light at the next crossing and hit pedestrians who were crossing the street.

The tragedy resulted in the deaths of four people at the scene. A fifth person died later the same day. Eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Liu left the scene and was arrested not long thereafter.

In October, the Intermediate People's Court of Dalian issued a public verdict in the case. Liu was convicted of endangering public safety by his dangerous behavior and was sentenced to death and deprived of political rights for life.

Liu appealed, but the Liaoning Provincial High People's Court rejected his petition and upheld the original verdict. The sentence was then submitted to the Supreme People's Court for approval.