A driver ran over about ten people in the Italian city of Modena and stabbed another during his escape, in an incident that left at least two seriously injured and forced the deployment of a large police and health operation.
The perpetrator of the incident was arrested shortly after by the police, according to the initial information available. For now, the authorities will have to clarify the exact sequence of events, the motive for the attack, and whether the hit-and-run was deliberate or occurred in the context of a chase.
The incident occurred in a city in northern Italy known for its university, industrial, and automotive activity, but which this Saturday has been marked by a scene of violence in the middle of the public street.
Driver runs over several people in Modena
The first part of the incident occurred when the driver rammed a group of people with his vehicle. Initial reports suggest that around ten pedestrians were affected by the hit-and-run.
At least two people were seriously injured. The total number of affected individuals may vary as police and health checks progress, as in these types of incidents, a distinction is usually made between seriously injured, lightly injured, and people treated at the scene for blows or anxiety attacks.
Emergency services quickly deployed to the area to assist the injured and organize hospital transfers.
Stabs another person during the escape
After the hit-and-run, the driver reportedly tried to escape. During that escape, according to initial reports, he stabbed another person, which increases the seriousness of the incident and reinforces the hypothesis of a broader violent sequence than a simple traffic accident.
This is one of the key points that the investigation will have to clarify: whether the hit-and-run and the stabbing are part of the same intentional action, whether there was a prior argument, whether the driver was trying to escape from someone, or whether he acted in an uncontrolled manner.
For now, what has been confirmed is the outcome: several people run over, one victim stabbed, at least two seriously injured, and one arrested.
The perpetrator has been arrested shortly after
Italian police arrested the alleged perpetrator shortly after the incident. The speed of the arrest will be key to reconstructing what happened, taking the statement of the arrested person, and determining if there were more people involved.
Investigators will have to review security cameras, witness testimonies, and the vehicle's trajectory to establish the exact timeline. It will also be important to check the driver's condition at the time of the events and if there was a prior record, although none of these points can be affirmed for now without official confirmation.