A 69-year-old Polish national remains in critical condition following a vehicular attack in Modena, Italy, where a 31-year-old man struck pedestrians before crashing into a storefront and wounding a bystander with a knife.
Victims in Critical Condition
Two women remain in critical condition at the Baggiovara hospital in Bologna. Michele Morra, head of the Modena police, confirmed that the 69-year-old Polish woman is in intensive care.
Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Maciej Wewiór stated that the Polish consul is coordinating with local authorities and the hospital, though the ministry will not disclose specific details regarding the patient’s medical status.
Additionally, a 55-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man are hospitalized at the Maggiore facility in Bologna after losing their legs in the collision. The woman’s condition is critical as she fights for her life. Other injured individuals remain at the Modena Polyclinic, where they are considered out of danger.
Details of the Attack
Witnesses report the Citroen C3 driver was traveling at over 100 km/h in a 30 km/h zone. The vehicle struck a cyclist before veering onto the sidewalk into a group of people and eventually crashing through a clothing store window.
After remaining in the car for several seconds, the driver attempted to flee. When a group of men apprehended him, he stabbed one of them before being taken into custody by police.
Suspect Profile and Investigation
The 31-year-old Italian citizen of Moroccan descent had been receiving psychiatric treatment for schizoid personality disorder in Castelfranco Emilia until 2024. He has no prior criminal record, and toxicology tests confirmed he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Prosecutor Luca Masini noted that the perpetrator’s actions displayed a clear intent to threaten public safety rather than merely targeting specific individuals. Investigators are currently ruling out terrorism as a motive.
State Response
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has canceled a scheduled visit to Cyprus to travel to Modena. President Sergio Mattarella will also visit the site, and both leaders intend to visit the wounded in the hospital.
