A sinkhole in China has swallowed five people in dramatic scenes that were captured on video.

A provincial broadcaster says four people were injured in the incident on Saturday in the provincial capital of Harbin.

The surveillance camera footage that spread on China's social media shows pedestrians walking on the pavement when it suddenly gave in.

Three people fall into the void, while a woman clings to pipes just underneath the pavement. Another person standing on the edge falls sideways into the hole.
Heilongjiang Network Broadcasting Television says four of them received minor injuries to their feet, legs, arms and shoulders.

It is thought the people were waiting for a bus because it occurred at a bus stop. The bus sign was also swallowed by the sinkhole, the broadcaster said.

Passers-by pulled the victims from the hole, which was about 3 metres deep, according to the broadcaster.