ZHENGZHOU, May 25 -- At least 25 people were injured when a tanker in central China's Henan Province ran out of control and careered down a slope in a downtown area Monday afternoon, local authorities said.

The accident happened at Huaixin Road at 4:02 p.m. in Yanshi City when the tanker loaded with liquid oxygen overturned and hit a number of vehicles and pedestrians.

Eight cars and a number of motorcycles were damaged in the accident.

The injured, one of whom is in a serious condition, are receiving treatment at Yanshi Municipal People's Hospital.

Nearby residents have been evacuated and local power supply has been cut off to prevent fire.

Another tanker is removing the liquid oxygen at the scene. The process is expected to last one and a half hours.