Copacabana Beach: At least 15 injured after car ploughs into crowd in Rio de Janeiro

At least 15 people have been injured after a car sped into a crowd on a seaside walkway along Rio de Janeiro's famous Copacabana Beach.

The incident happened just after 8pm local time on Thursday evening.

According to local media, an eight-month-old baby was killed in the incident, but this remains unconfirmed.

Firefighters give the first aid to people that were hurt. Credit: PA
Onlookers survey the devastation on the world-famous beach. Credit: PA
The driver of the car was arrested and taken to hospital. Credit: PA

The car stopped in the sand after it apparently crossed the wide pavement that runs between the beach and a busy road with several people knocked down and lying on the ground.

Officials said the 41-year-old driver lost control of the car, which ran across the crowded promenade and came to a stop in the sand.

The motorist said he had not been drinking and told police he suffered from epilepsy. Medicine for epilepsy was reportedly found in his car.

He was arrested by police and taken to hospital.

Brazilian military police said in a statement there was no indication that the incident was a terrorist attack.

Several European and American cities have seen terrorist attacks in which drivers plowed into crowds.