A man drove a car into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena on Friday, injuring at least eight people, including four who were reported to be in serious condition, according to police and local officials.
The incident took place around 16:30 local time on Via Emilia near Modena’s cathedral, south-east of Milan, before the vehicle crashed into a shop window.
Authorities said the driver, identified as a 30 or 31-year-old Italian national of Moroccan origin living in the Modena province, attempted to flee after the crash.
Pedestrians stopped him before police arrested him at the scene.
During the attempted escape, the suspect allegedly attacked a passer-by with a knife, causing minor injuries.
Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti described the episode as a deliberate attack, saying the driver appeared to have intentionally mounted the pavement and struck several people before crashing into the storefront.
Officials said five women and three men were injured in the incident.
Italian media reported that one woman suffered severe leg injuries.
Two of the injured were airlifted to a hospital in Bologna for treatment.
Witnesses told Italian media the car accelerated suddenly toward the pavement at high speed.
One man who pursued the suspect after the crash said he was attacked with a knife while trying to restrain him alongside other bystanders.
Italian authorities said the suspect had previously received treatment for psychiatric disorders.
At a Saturday evening news conference, Modena prefect Fabrizia Triolo said the man had been referred to a mental health centre in 2022 for “schizoid disorders” before later disappearing from supervision.
Officials have not confirmed a motive or stated whether terrorism is being considered.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the incident “extremely serious” and expressed solidarity with the injured and their families.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini also commented publicly, highlighting the suspect’s background and calling for accountability.