At least three people died and 11 more were left injured after a van reportedly crashed into a crowded area in a tourism hotspot, local authorities said. The horror incident happened on Monday, November 24, on the small South Korean island of Udo, just off Jeju Island. 

The incident happened at 2.47pm local time, just outside a ferry terminal. A van, reportedly driven by a man in his 60s, reportedly ploughed into tourists as they were disembarking from a ferry at Cheonjin Port, Jeju Fire Safety said. The vehicle eventually came to a stop as it crashed into a road sign.  

Early reports said two people suffered cardiac arrest and were airlifted to hospital. Another person, believed to be the van’s pasenger, was also found in cardiac arrest. 

The casualties are believed to be eight pedestrians and six people in the van, Korea Herald reports. 

Jeju Fire Service confirmed they were called out to the scene in Yeonpyeong-ri at around 5.45am GMT.

An air ambulance, the force added, was sent to the site to get the victims care as soon as possible.

A police investigation into the incident has been launched. 

Udo is a popular holiday destination known for its rugged landscape and beaches.

The region attracts around 15 million tourists each year, many of these South Koreans taking the ferry from the mainland – with only 2 million coming from abroad.Â