A manhunt is underway as police search for a gunman in a rural area of southeastern Kentucky near Interstate 75

LONDON, Ky. (AP) -- A manhunt was underway early Sunday as police searched for a gunman in a rural area of southeastern Kentucky near Interstate 75, according to authorities who said up to seven people were hurt in the shooting and a vehicle accident that accompanied the violence.

The shooting began just after 6:30 p.m. Saturday and was followed by an intense search for a suspect by multiple law enforcement agencies. 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.