Car ploughs into crowd in Italy injuring eight
At least eight people were injured in the northern Italian city of Modena on Saturday after a car drove into a crowd in the historic city center, in an incident authorities are still investigating.
Police said four of the injured are in serious condition. The driver was arrested shortly after the incident and taken in for questioning.
According to Moderna officials, the vehicle struck a shop window before the driver attempted to flee the scene. Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti said the suspect was later seen holding a knife, although no stabbing occurred.
“He was seen with a knife in his hand, but he didn’t manage to stab anyone. It seems like he was trying to hit someone,” Mezzetti told local media, adding that “whatever the nature, it is a very serious act.”
Authorities identified the driver as a 31-year-old man born in Bergamo and living in the Modena area. City prefect Fabrizia Triolo said he had previously been treated for mental health disorders but had not been in recent contact with services, dw.com reports.
Investigators said there was no immediate evidence of drug or alcohol use, and a search of his home has been carried out.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the incident as “extremely serious” and said she expected the perpetrator to be fully held accountable.
Police continue to investigate whether the incident was intentional.
