Five street cleaners die in Harbin after hit by car

Several street cleaners lie on the street dead after being hit by a car in Harbin, December 22, 2017. [Photo: www.thepaper.cn]

Five street sweepers died after they were hit by a car in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang province.

The accident occurred just before 5:00 a.m. on Friday. A Nissan sedan ran into seven cleaners who were working on street at the time.

Local police have concluded that the driver, surnamed Li, was driving while intoxicated. They say Li has claimed that he lost control of the car before his vehicle struck the sweepers.

Photo shows a black Nissan sedan which has been badly damaged after knocking down 7 street cleaners in Harbin, December 22, 2017. [Photo: www.thepaper.cn]

Four cleaners were killed immediately, and one died in hospital. The two people who survived are currently receiving treatment.

Li is in custody.