Horror as car ploughs into crowds in Modena city centre leaving at least 7 injured | World | News
(File picture) Several people have been injured (Image: Getty)
Several people have been injured after a car ploughed into crowds walking in a historic city centre on Saturday afternoon. At least seven people were injured in an incident in the city centre of Modena, central Italy, with four of them believed to be in critical condition.
A car travelling at high speed from Largo Garibaldi reportedly struck pedestrians on Via Emilia Centro. The car then crashed into a shopping window, according to news outlet Il Resto del Carlino. The alleged driver then reportedly fled the vehicle.
The incident took place in the city centre of Modena (Image: ANSA)
Local reports suggest the driver then attempted to stab a passerby who tried to intervene and stop them.
Mayor Massimo Mezzetti, who headed to the scene after the horror scenes, described the incident as “a grave act, dramatic, which hit our city in the heart”.
He continued: “We need to understand the nature of this, but it’s a tragic act. I’m deeply shocked. Whatever its nature, it’s a very serious event.
“These are dramatic moments. It is too early to speculate on what happened.” He added: “Investigations will be carried out.”
The seriously injured people have been transported to the Maggiore Hospital in Bologna, Mayor Mezzetti said.
The mayor added that one of the injured “will likely have to have both legs amputated”.
A man has been detained following the incident and is being questioned by police.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is said to be following events in Modena “with the utmost attention” and called the incident ” extremely serious”.
Meloni said in a statement: “What happened today in Modena, where a man ran over several pedestrians and then allegedly stabbed a passerby, is extremely serious.
“I express my closeness to the injured people and their families. I also extend my thanks to the citizens who bravely intervened to stop the perpetrator and to the law enforcement agencies for their response.
“I have spoken with the Mayor and remain in constant contact with the authorities to follow the developments of the situation. I trust that the perpetrator will be held fully accountable for his actions.”
Prime Minister Meloni remains in constant communication with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi as well as with Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council Alfredo Mantovano, according to Il Resto del Carlino sources.
The Italian Prime Minister is currently attending the Europe Gulf Forum in Navarino, Greece, seeking to strengthen a broader strategy linking Europe, the Mediterranean and the Gulf on energy security, migration and regional stability.
