At least seven people were injured, two of them critically, on Saturday when a vehicle crashed into a group of pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that the driver, identified as a 31-year-old male, was apprehended at the scene following a violent confrontation with onlookers.
Details of the attack and arrest
According to reports from the Italian press, the vehicle struck several citizens along a central city street before crashing directly into a commercial storefront. Following the initial collision, the driver reportedly exited the vehicle and attempted to stab a bystander who courageously intervened to halt his escape.
While local emergency services initially treated seven victims, subsequent updates indicated that up to 10 people suffered injuries of varying severity. Medical professionals noted that one female victim sustained catastrophic trauma to her lower limbs and may require amputations.
The Mayor of Modena stated that the suspect is an Italian national born in Bergamo but of Maghreb origin, residing within the Modena province. The state prosecutor's office has launched an immediate investigation into the incident, though an official motive behind the assault has not yet been established.
Government reaction and solidarity
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued an official statement condemning the violence, describing the vehicle-ramming and subsequent stabbing as an exceptionally grave criminal act. The premier extended her profound solidarity to the wounded victims and their families, while expressing formal gratitude to the citizens who risked their safety to restrain the attacker.
Prime Minister Meloni confirmed she has engaged in direct communications with the municipal leadership and remains in continuous contact with federal security agencies to monitor the ongoing judicial process. She expressed total confidence that the perpetrator will be held fully accountable under Italian law.
Source: The Guardian and BBC
