28 October 2013 Last updated at 02:35 ET
Police set up barriers at Tiananmen Square after the vehicle crashed
Chinese state media say three people have died after a vehicle crashed in Tiananmen Square in the capital, Beijing.
Several others, including tourists, were also reported injured in the incident, Xinhua news agency said.
The square was evacuated after the vehicle "went into the crowd in front of the Tiananmen rostrum" at midday, the agency said.
Images posted online showed a vehicle in flames.
The sports utility vehicle crashed into a stone bridge in front of the Forbidden City, state media said.
The three people who died were the driver of the vehicle and two passengers, Xinhua said.
Tiananmen Square was the scene of pro-democracy protests in 1989.
It is generally kept under tight security both because of its proximity to key political institutions and so that is does not serve as a hub for protesters and petitioners.
Chinese state media say three people have died after a vehicle crashed in Tiananmen Square in the capital, Beijing.
Several others, including tourists, were also reported injured in the incident, Xinhua news agency said.
The square was evacuated after the vehicle "went into the crowd in front of the Tiananmen rostrum" at midday, the agency said.
Images posted online showed a vehicle in flames.
The sports utility vehicle crashed into a stone bridge in front of the Forbidden City, state media said.
The three people who died were the driver of the vehicle and two passengers, Xinhua said.
Tiananmen Square was the scene of pro-democracy protests in 1989.
It is generally kept under tight security both because of its proximity to key political institutions and so that is does not serve as a hub for protesters and petitioners.