At least two individuals have sustained life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck pedestrians in an Italian city. The incident occurred on Via Emilia Centro in Modena, northern Italy, at approximately 4:30 PM local time, with the car reportedly driven by a man in his 30s.
Injuries and Response
Seven people were injured in the incident, with two in critical condition. One woman is likely to require a double amputation after being crushed against a shop window by the vehicle. The injured were transported to three different hospitals; two were airlifted to Maggiore Hospital in Bologna for urgent treatment.
Police arrested the driver and confirmed there was no further threat to public safety. Italian media reported that the car crashed into a shop window after hitting the pedestrians, and the driver attempted to stab a passerby who tried to intervene.
Mayor's Statement
Modena's mayor, Massimo Mezzetti, stated that the driver is believed to be of North African origin. He remarked, "It is not known whether he acted under the influence of substances or whether he committed this act deliberately." He added, "Fortunately, there were no deaths, but seven people were injured, two of them seriously. One woman will likely have to have both legs amputated: she was the person who was crushed against the shop window."
Mayor Mezzetti also noted that witnesses described the driver as being of North African origin, though he had no further details on the man's identity.
Witness Accounts
According to Italian media, the vehicle struck a bicycle before crashing into the shop window. The driver then exited the car with a weapon and reportedly attempted to strike someone but was unsuccessful. Social media reports suggested the car was traveling at around 100 kph (62 mph) and that four or five individuals chased the driver, assisting police in his capture.
The mayor expressed gratitude to these citizens, stating, "The man was also armed with a knife; they had courage and great civic sense. My strong thanks go to them at this dramatic moment."
