Car hits pedestrians in Modena, Italy, seven injured

Initial reports from witnesses indicate that the driver, who is in their 30s, appeared to deliberately drive onto the pavement, hitting bicycles before colliding with a woman who sustained severe leg injuries, Modena’s mayor, Massimo Mezzetti, told local media and news agency ANSA, as reported by AFP on Sunday (17/5/2026).

The car then crashed into a shop window. The driver exited the vehicle while holding a knife.

“He was seen holding a knife in his hand, but he did not manage to stab anyone. It appears that he tried to hit someone,” said Mezzetti.

“Police have arrested the driver and are interrogating him,” he added.

In an interview with RaiNews, Mezzetti stated that four of the seven victims suffered serious injuries.

A witness said the car was travelling at high speed on Via Emilia Centro, which was very busy on Saturday afternoon.

“I heard a crash and saw people being hit,” he said.

“The car hit me and I managed to fall to the ground,” said the man, who had blood on his head.

“The driver appeared to be drunk or under the influence of drugs; he did not seem to be in a normal state.”

He and several other pedestrians chased after the vehicle as it tried to escape, and disarmed the perpetrator after he produced the knife.

Returning to Mezzetti’s statement, he thanked the citizens who showed courage and civic responsibility.

“We need to understand what is behind this act. But it is a dramatic event,” said Mezzetti.

“I am very shocked. Whatever it is, it is very serious. If it turns out to be an attack, it will be even more serious.”