In a shocking incident, Mayor Massimo Mezzetti confirmed that although no fatalities occurred, four individuals are in critical condition following a harrowing crash. Among the injured is a woman who tragically required the amputation of both legs after being pinned against a shop window.
The driver involved is a 31-year-old man originally from Bergamo, now residing in the Modena province. Authorities have detained him, and he is currently being interrogated at the police station. Investigators are trying to ascertain if he was impaired by substances or if his actions were intentional, according to Mayor Mezzetti.
Describing the unsettling events, Mezzetti noted that the vehicle veered onto one of the city’s primary streets, mounting the sidewalk and striking several pedestrians before ultimately crashing into the storefront.
The mayor reported that at least eight people sustained injuries, with four in particularly grave condition. Victims were swiftly transported to medical facilities in Modena and Bologna, with helicopters deployed for those requiring urgent care.
In an attempt to escape, the driver was initially confronted by civilians who were part of the incident, before being apprehended by police and taken in for questioning.
Witnesses indicated the man was brandishing a knife, though he did not succeed in injuring anyone with it. Mayor Mezzetti added that authorities are still investigating whether the crash was an intentional act or if other factors were at play.
âWhatever the nature, it is a very serious act,â Mezzetti said. âIf it were an attack, it would be even more serious.â
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called the incident âextremely seriousâ 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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