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🇵🇦 Panama /Crime & Justice

Eight injured in a multiple pedestrian hit-and-run in northern Italy

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A driver with a history of mental health issues struck eight pedestrians in Modena, northern Italy, injuring four severely.
  • Authorities are investigating whether the incident, which involved a car speeding through a crowded street, could be considered an attack.
  • The driver, who had received mental health treatment, was apprehended after attempting to flee and brandishing a knife.

Modena, Italy – A shocking incident in the northern Italian city of Modena has left eight pedestrians injured, four critically, after a driver deliberately plowed through a crowded street. The driver, a Moroccan-Italian man in his 30s with a documented history of psychological issues, was eventually subdued by courageous bystanders after attempting to flee the scene.

The driver appeared to be drugged or drunk, he didn't seem to be in normal condition. The car was smoking; I opened the door and he ran away. Four or five people ran after him. He pulled out a knife, but we managed to make him fall to the ground.

· WitnessDescribing the driver's erratic behavior and the pursuit by bystanders.

Early reports and security footage depict a car accelerating rapidly through the city center, hitting multiple people before crashing into a storefront. The severity of the injuries is profound, with one victim requiring the amputation of both legs. Prefect Fabrizia Triolo confirmed the driver had received treatment for schizoid disorders in 2022 but had lost contact with mental health services. While authorities have not ruled out terrorism, they are focusing on the driver's mental state, noting he was not under the influence of psychotropic substances at the time of the incident.

We thank those citizens who demonstrated courage and great civic sense.

· Massimo MezzettiMayor of Modena, praising the bystanders who apprehended the driver.

The bravery of ordinary citizens was on full display as several individuals pursued the driver after the crash. When he produced a knife, they managed to apprehend him, preventing further harm. The mayor, Massimo Mezzetti, and the president of the Emilia-Romagna region, Michele de Pascale, both commended the citizens' courage and civic duty, while also urging patience as the investigation into the nature and motives behind this "extremely serious act" continues.

It is an extremely serious act, but it is important to understand its nature and motives. Let's wait for more information.

· Michele de PascalePresident of the Emilia-Romagna region, commenting on the incident and urging caution.

This event has sent ripples of concern through Italy, a country that has previously been targeted by similar attacks. While the investigation is ongoing, the focus remains on understanding the complex interplay of mental health and potential radicalization, a challenge faced by many nations worldwide. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces and the critical importance of mental healthcare accessibility.

The driver had received treatment in a mental health center for schizoid disorders, but we lost track of him after that initial period of observation in an care center.

· Fabrizia TrioloPrefect of Modena, providing details about the driver's mental health history.
About this summary

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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