Man Rams Crowd with Car Before Going on Stabbing Rampage

Chaos erupted in the heart of an Italian shopping district after a speeding car plowed into a crowd of pedestrians before the driver allegedly jumped out and stabbed a bystander who tried to stop him, according to local reports.

The terrifying scene unfolded Saturday in the historic city of Modena, Italy, where witnesses say a silver Citroen barreled through the busy Largo Porta Bologna area, smashing into multiple people before crashing violently into the window of a department store.

At least seven people were injured in the horror incident, including four who suffered serious injuries. One woman was reportedly pinned against the storefront during the impact and may lose both of her legs, according to Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti.

Emergency crews rushed to the chaotic scene as stunned shoppers looked on. Images from the area showed the mangled vehicle surrounded by debris, shattered glass and twisted bicycles left scattered across the street.

Italian media reports say a 55-year-old woman was fighting for her life and had to be airlifted to a hospital in Bologna. A 55-year-old man was also seriously hurt in the crash.

But the violence reportedly didn’t stop there.

Authorities say the driver, who was allegedly injured in the wreck, fled the scene on foot after the crash. During the frantic escape, he reportedly stabbed a person who attempted to stop him before police finally took him into custody.

Anti-terror investigators are now monitoring the case as authorities work to determine whether the attack was intentional.

Mayor Mezzetti confirmed that while no deaths had been reported, several victims remain in critical condition.

“Fortunately, there were no deaths, but seven people were injured, two of them seriously,” the mayor said. “One woman will likely have to have both legs amputated. She was crushed against the shop window.”

Italian outlets identified the suspect as a 31-year-old Italian citizen of foreign origin who reportedly holds a degree in economics. Police later carried out searches at his home in a Modena neighborhood as the investigation intensified.

Authorities have not yet revealed a possible motive, and investigators are continuing to question the suspect at a local police station.