FLINT, MI - Eight people were hospitalized when a truck crashed into a large group of people protesting early Tuesday.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer participated in the event. She was not injured and was taken from the scene shortly after the crash.

UPDATE: Mayor, police unaware protesters hit at Flint rally would be in road

A burgundy Chevrolet pickup truck was driving north on Dort Highway about 7 a.m. on Oct. 2 and ran into the tail end of a large group picketing for $15 minimum wage and unionization for fast food restaurant workers.

After hitting protesters, the truck veered into southbound traffic and was hit by a Consumers Energy truck.

Flint Police Chief Tim Johnson said he saw four or five people on the ground, but he didn't think the injuries were serious.

"The end of the group was walking down the street when a red truck - he almost acted liked he didn't see them," Johnson said. "He ran right into them."

Johnson said he saw four or five people on the ground immediately after the crash, but later said a total of eight people were hospitalized.

Whitmer said in a phone interview shortly after the crash she had been out in front of the march. She didn't see the crash, but was alerted when people started yelling for the marchers to stop. She left in order to let first responders access the scene, she said.

Scherhera Schearer, an SEIU member, was there for the rally to raise the minimum wage to $15. She was in front of the crash and didn't see it, but heard it.

"I don't know where he came from," she said.

"I'm upset. I have several brothers and sisters who are laying on the ground right now," she said.

Police Chief Johnson said he didn't believe the crash was intentional.

"He seemed pretty shaken up," Johnson said of the driver. "I don't think it was intentional."

Dort Highway was still closed as of 7:51 a.m.

-MLive reporter Emily Lawler contributed to this report.