A car crashed into pedestrians in the city of Modena, Italy, causing injuries to eight people, with four in critical condition, according to local officials. Mayor Massimo Mezzetti confirmed that while there were no fatalities, a woman had to undergo a double leg amputation after being pinned against a shop window.
The driver, a 31-year-old man from Bergamo who grew up in Modena, was apprehended and is being interrogated by authorities to determine if he was impaired or acting intentionally, as per Mayor Mezzetti. The vehicle veered onto a busy street, where the driver reportedly mounted the sidewalk, striking multiple individuals before colliding with the shop window.
A total of eight people sustained injuries, with four in severe condition, and were transported to hospitals in Modena and Bologna, including via helicopter for critical cases. The driver allegedly attempted to flee but was subdued by citizens and later detained by the police for questioning.
Although witnesses mentioned the driver had a knife, no one was harmed with it. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motive behind the incident. Mayor Mezzetti emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that regardless of intent, the act was severe, especially if it was a deliberate attack.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the event as “extremely serious” in a social media post, expressing support for the victims and their families. Meloni commended the prompt actions of citizens and law enforcement in halting the suspect and assured that the individual would face full accountability.
Emergency services, including the police, carabinieri, and financial police, swiftly responded to the scene, where the area was cordoned off as ambulances tended to the injured on the street.
