Driver plows into crowd in northern Italy, 8 injured: Officials

The unidentified driver was apprehended, according to the prime minister.

May 16, 2026, 2:52 PM

At least eight people were injured, four critically, after a driver plowed into a crowd in Modena, Italy, Saturday, officials said.

Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti told reporters that the unidentified 31-year-old man allegedly drove onto the sidewalk and struck several people before crashing into a shop window. One of the victims was pinned to the shop, according to the mayor.

Police patrol the scene after a car incident in a street of Modena, Italy, on May 16, 2026.
LaPresse via AP

Mezzetti said the suspect was apprehended after other people intervened. Charges were not immediately known and the investigation was ongoing.

Some of the critically injured victims had to be airlifted to hospitals, according to the mayor.

A destroyed car is shown on a street of Modena, Italy, on May 16, 2026.
LaPresse via AP

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in an X post that she was monitoring the situation and had been in touch with the mayor and other officials.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel work at the scene after a vehicle struck several pedestrians in downtown Modena, Italy, on May 16, 2026.
Francesco Vecchi/EPA via Shutterstock

"I trust that the perpetrator will be held fully accountable for his actions," Meloni said in Italian in her statement.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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