Six Chinese were killed and another four injured in a car accident in South Korea, the Chinese embassy in the country has confirmed.

The Chinese embassy said it has initiated an emergency response mechanism and will provide assistance to the families of the deceased.

According to an early report from Yonhap News Agency, a speeding van overturned on an expressway exit ramp in central South Korea at 8:20 a.m. on Monday, killing seven people and injuring another five.

The casualties, most of them day laborers, included Chinese nationals, it said without providing exact numbers.

The Starex van turned upside-down on a road leading to the South Sejong Toll Gate after colliding into a roadside signpost on Monday morning.

It was speeding to overtake another car just before entering the curved exit ramp.

Most of the passengers, except the driver, were not wearing seat belts, the Yonhap report said, citing police and expressway officials.

An investigation into the case has been opened.