Driver plows into pedestrians in Italy’s Modena, 8 injured, 4 critically, mayor says

ROME (AP) — A driver plowed into pedestrians within the northern Italian metropolis of Modena on Saturday, injuring eight individuals, 4 of them critically, native authorities mentioned.

Mayor Massimo Mezzetti mentioned nobody was killed within the dramatic crash however 4 victims had been in severe situation. He mentioned a girl was pinned towards a store window and required the amputation of each legs.

The driving force is a 31-year-old man born in Bergamo and raised within the province of Modena, Mezzetti mentioned. He was detained and was being questioned at police headquarters as authorities labored to find out whether or not he was underneath the affect of gear or acted intentionally, the mayor mentioned.

Mezzetti mentioned the car entered one of many metropolis’s primary streets and the person “drove onto the sidewalk, sending a number of individuals flying,” earlier than crashing into the store window.

No less than eight individuals had been injured, 4 of them in very severe situation, based on the mayor. Victims had been taken to hospitals in Modena and Bologna, together with by helicopter for probably the most crucial instances.

The driving force tried to flee however was stopped first by a few of the residents concerned within the crash after which by police and brought to headquarters for questioning.

Witnesses reported the person was holding a knife, however he didn’t handle to stab anybody, the mayor mentioned, including that investigators are nonetheless working to find out whether or not the act was deliberate or linked to different causes.

“Regardless of the nature, it’s a very severe act,” Mezzetti mentioned. “If it had been an assault, it could be much more severe.”

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni known as the incident “extraordinarily severe” in a social media publish and expressed solidarity with the victims and their households.

Meloni thanked residents who intervened to assist cease the suspect and praised legislation enforcement, including she was involved with native authorities and anticipated the suspect to be held absolutely accountable.

Emergency providers, together with police, carabinieri and monetary police, responded to the scene, which was cordoned off as ambulances handled victims on the street.