In a shocking incident, Mayor Massimo Mezzetti reported that although no fatalities occurred, four individuals are in critical condition following a severe crash. Among the injured, a woman tragically had to have both legs amputated after being pinned against a shop window.
The incident involves a 31-year-old male driver originally from Bergamo but raised in Modena’s province, as revealed by Mezzetti. The driver is currently in police custody, undergoing questioning. Investigators are working to ascertain if he was under the influence of any substances or if the act was intentional.
Describing the event, Mezzetti recounted that the vehicle veered onto a main street, where the driver mounted the sidewalk, striking several pedestrians before ultimately smashing into the shop window.
In total, the crash resulted in injuries to at least eight people, with four victims in extremely serious condition. Those wounded were swiftly transported to hospitals in Modena and Bologna, with helicopters deployed for the most critical cases.
After the crash, the driver attempted to escape the scene but was prevented from doing so by some of the affected bystanders, who detained him until the police arrived and escorted him to the station for further questioning.
Witnesses reported the man was holding a knife, but he did not manage to stab anyone, the mayor said, adding that investigators are still working to determine whether the act was deliberate or linked to other causes.
“Whatever the nature, it is a very serious act,” Mezzetti said. “If it were an attack, it would be even more serious.”
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called the incident “extremely serious” in a social media post and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
Meloni thanked citizens who intervened to help stop the suspect and praised law enforcement, adding she was in contact with local authorities and expected the suspect to be held fully accountable.
Emergency services, including police, carabinieri and financial police, responded to the scene, which was cordoned off as ambulances treated victims in the street.
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