Car rams into pedestrians in Modena, Italy, injuring seven to twelve

A driver deliberately rammed his car into a group of pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena on Saturday, injuring multiple people before being arrested by police. The man in his thirties was detained after the incident when passersby prevented him from fleeing the scene. Reports differ on the exact number of injured, ranging from seven to twelve people, with four suffering serious injuries according to the mayor.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the driver deliberately steered onto the sidewalk in broad daylight, apparently targeting pedestrians intentionally. He first struck a bicycle before crashing head-on into a woman, who suffered severe leg injuries with both legs crushed, according to Mayor Massimo Mezzetti, who spoke to local media and the Italian news agency ANSA. The vehicle eventually came to a stop after crashing into a shop window.

After the impact, the driver exited his vehicle while apparently armed with a knife. Multiple witnesses reported that the man was holding the knife and appeared to be chasing people with it. "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," Mayor Mezzetti explained. The man attempted to flee on foot after the attack but was stopped by brave bystanders who held him until police arrived.

Police arrested the 31-year-old driver and are currently conducting interrogations. Investigators are examining various aspects of the case, including whether the man was under the influence of drugs or whether he acted deliberately. The exact motives for the attack remain unclear, and authorities have not yet provided information about possible backgrounds to the incident.

Mayor Mezzetti praised the courageous intervention of citizens who prevented the perpetrator from escaping. Without their quick action, the man might have been able to cause further damage. The incident occurred in downtown Modena and was filmed by several people, creating video recordings of the dramatic events.

Of those injured, four people are in critical or serious condition according to local authorities and are being treated in hospitals. The remaining injured suffered minor injuries. Medical care for the victims is ongoing at full capacity, with doctors fighting for the lives of the seriously wounded.

Modena, a city of approximately 185,000 inhabitants in the Emilia-Romagna region, is known for its historic old town and as the home of Ferrari automobile manufacturer. Incidents of this type are extremely rare in the normally quiet city. The event has shocked residents and raises questions about public safety.

Police investigations are now focusing on clarifying the exact circumstances of the attack and determining possible motives of the perpetrator. This includes examining whether the man had psychological problems or was under the influence of substances. Authorities have announced they will thoroughly evaluate all available evidence, including video recordings.

The incident joins a series of similar attacks across Europe where vehicles have been used as weapons. Italian security authorities will analyze the case carefully to develop possible prevention measures for the future and ensure public safety. The investigation continues as authorities work to understand what drove the man to carry out this shocking attack in broad daylight.

The heroic actions of the bystanders who intervened have been widely praised by local officials and residents alike. Their quick thinking and courage likely prevented additional casualties and demonstrated the importance of community solidarity in crisis situations. The incident serves as a reminder of both the unpredictable nature of such attacks and the power of citizen intervention in stopping them.