A black vehicle drove into a crowd of people crossing a street shortly before midday on Saturday and fled the scene, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing Dalian's public security bureau.

Four people died at the scene and another was confirmed dead after being sent to hospital, while five who sustained injuries were receiving medical treatment in hospital, according to Xinhua.

The driver, surnamed Liu, has been caught and was determined not to have been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Xinhua said.

Further investigation is underway.

Australian Associated Press