Car drives into pedestrians in Modena; eight injured, suspect detained
Car drives into pedestrians in Modena; eight injured, suspect detained
Eight people were injured, four seriously, when a speeding car plowed into pedestrians in Modena's historic center; bystanders restrained the driver and authorities call it extremely serious.
A speeding car plowed into pedestrians in Modena’s historic center on Saturday afternoon, injuring eight people, four of them seriously. The vehicle then crashed into a shop window as it mounted the curb near the city’s landmark cathedral, before the driver got out and threatened a passer-by with a knife.
The suspect, a 31 year old Italian national of Moroccan origin, was overwhelmed by bystanders and restrained until police arrived. Officials said the man had previously been referred to a mental health center in 2022 for schizoid disorders but disappeared from care afterward.
The attack occurred around 4:30 pm local time along Via Emilia, in front of the Modena cathedral. Eyewitnesses said the car accelerated sharply, reaching speeds of at least 62 mph as it hit people and struck a shop window.
Among the injured are five women and three men, with one woman reported to have lost both legs. A passer-by who gave pursuit was also struck and required medical attention. A local resident who helped at the scene described helping a person with severe injuries and noted that the attacker tried to flee but was subdued by bystanders.
Officials condemned the episode as extremely serious. Modena’s mayor, Massimo Mezzetti, said the driver appeared to have deliberately driven onto the pavement and into pedestrians before turning back toward the street and brandishing a knife. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the incident as extremely serious and thanked those who intervened.
The investigation continues, with authorities evaluating a possible motive. The incident unfolded in Modena’s historical center, a busy area around the cathedral, prompting security discussions citywide.
