LONDON, Ky. >> Multiple people were shot Saturday along Interstate 75 in a rural area of southeastern Kentucky, authorities said.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook that it was an “active shooter situation” and “numerous persons” were shot near the highway. It added that the interstate was closed 9 miles north of London.

In a video statement, London Mayor Randall Weddle said he was told seven people were hurt, but not all of those were wounded by gunfire. Some of the victims were injured in a vehicle accident, he said.

“There are no deceased at this time. No one was killed from this, thankfully, but we ask that you continue to pray,” Weddle said.

The sheriff’s office also announced that a “person of interest” has been identified in connection with the shooting. The man’s name was given as Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old white male.

— The Associated Press