A car loaded with highly flammable gas canisters in the boot rammed into the security gates of the US Embassy in Seoul just days before Donald Trump visits.
It appeared the car made a “sudden turn”, according to police, and was deliberately driven into the embassy’s metal gates, which are guarded by US Marines.
A cardboard box containing almost 30 butane gas canisters was found in the boot.
The alleged driver, a 40-year-old man, was arrested at the scene after the crash in South Korea’s capital just before 6pm on Tuesday.
Police have not yet commented on a possible motive for the incident.
According to YTN, the driver is from the city of Busan and the car was rented.
The car’s front end was crumpled and its airbags deployed when it ploughed into the gates.
The gates suffered slight damage.
No-one was injured in the incident, which happened in a district that is home to a number of embassies, including those of the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of property damage as police continue to investigate a possible motive.
Police did not say if the incident was being treated as an attempted attack.
Mr Trump is set to arrive in Seoul on Saturday for a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
The pair will meet on Sunday, and a spokesperson for Mr Moon said there are no plans to hold trilateral talks with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.
The US president has said that he is considering visiting the heavily fortified demilitarised zone, which divides North and South Korea, during his two-day stop.
He will first attend the G20 summit in Japan.
Security is high at American diplomatic buildings around the world to protect from potential threats.
