A man in his 30s drove his vehicle onto a sidewalk in Modena on Saturday, striking several pedestrians before chasing bystanders with a knife [1], [2].
The incident has sparked an urgent security investigation in northern Italy as authorities determine if the attack was a random act of violence or a coordinated strike.
Reports indicate the driver targeted the sidewalk, hitting a bicycle and a woman [4]. Mayor Massimo Mezzetti said, "The driver aimed for the sidewalk, hitting a bike, then crashed while slamming head‑on into a woman, badly hurt with both legs crushed" [4].
Following the crash, the suspect exited the vehicle and allegedly brandished a knife to chase people [3], [5]. While some reports state the driver chased bystanders without successful strikes [2], other accounts indicate at least one passerby was stabbed [6]. Four bystanders eventually tackled and restrained the man [3].
Casualty counts vary across reports. Some sources state seven people were injured [1], while others report eight [2]. Of those injured, four are listed as being in serious condition [2].
Local authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack. A police spokesperson said, "Terror is not ruled out at this stage" [7].
Eyewitnesses described the chaos that followed the vehicle's impact. One bystander said, "We saw him running with a knife and chased him" [6].
“"Terror is not ruled out at this stage,"”
The investigation into the Modena attack focuses on whether the incident constitutes a terrorist act or a mental health crisis. The use of a vehicle as a weapon followed by a knife attack mirrors patterns seen in low-sophistication urban attacks, prompting Italian security forces to assess the broader threat level in northern cities.
