A 31-year-old man identified by reports as a North African migrant has been detained after allegedly driving a car at high speed into pedestrians in the center of Modena, leaving at least 10 people injured in what authorities are investigating as a possible deliberate attack.

The shocking incident unfolded in broad daylight as terrified bystanders watched the vehicle mount the sidewalk and strike multiple pedestrians along a busy street in the northern Italian city. Video circulating online shows chaotic scenes in the aftermath, with emergency responders rushing to aid victims lying injured on the pavement while crowds gathered around the damaged vehicle.

According to reports, two victims remain in serious condition, while one woman suffered catastrophic leg injuries and could reportedly face the amputation of both legs due to the severity of the impact.

Authorities say the violence did not end after the car stopped.

Witnesses reported that the driver exited the vehicle armed with a knife and attempted to flee the scene on foot. During the escape attempt, he allegedly stabbed a man who tried to intervene and stop him before eventually being overpowered by members of the public and police officers responding to the attack.

The suspect was detained at the scene as panicked crowds looked on.

Investigators are now working to determine whether the incident was intentional, with early reports describing the attack as part of a disturbing pattern of vehicle-ramming incidents that have shaken several European cities in recent years.

The horrifying scenes have reignited debate in Italy and across Europe surrounding public safety, migration, and urban security, particularly following repeated attacks involving vehicles being driven into crowded pedestrian areas.

Witness footage from the aftermath shows shattered debris scattered across the roadway as emergency crews established a large security perimeter around the scene. Sirens could be heard throughout the area while police questioned witnesses and attempted to reconstruct the sequence of events.

The condition of the stabbing victim has not yet been fully disclosed.

Authorities have not publicly released additional details regarding the suspect’s background or possible motive as the investigation remains ongoing. However, the attack has already sparked fierce reactions online, with many expressing anger and concern over the scale of the violence and the apparent targeting of pedestrians in a crowded public area.