A 31-year-old driver ploughed a Citroën C3 into crowds on Via Emilia in central Modena on Saturday, May 16, striking at least ten people before smashing into a shop front. Police have confirmed seven individuals suffered injuries, with four in serious condition and one woman losing both legs in the violent episode. People pursued the suspect on foot after he abandoned his car and attempted to stab a passer-by who tried to stop him.

High-speed impact shocks local residents

People in the area saw the car accelerate rapidly towards the pavement in a pedestrian zone. Witnesses recalled the vehicle reaching speeds estimated at 80 kilometres per hour, sending victims flying and sparking immediate panic. The driver, originally from Seriate near Bergamo and with Tunisian roots, continued his path until the collision with the shopfront. He then fled the scene on foot through the historic centre, raising fear levels among bystanders.

Citizens help with quick arrests

Several locals joined forces to chase and restrain the man until police arrived. Modena mayor Massimo Mezzetti publicly thanked those who intervened, thanking them for their bravery during the chaotic moments. Officers from the Carabinieri, state police, and Guardia di Finanza responded rapidly, cordoning off the street with red and white tape while emergency teams treated the wounded on site. Paramedics transported victims to regional hospitals, including Maggiore in Bologna.

Background of suspect under scrutiny

Investigators question the detained man, who sustained injuries in the crash himself, at a local station. Records show he holds Italian citizenship, possesses no prior criminal history, and drove the small hatchback. Police continue to examine all possible explanations for the event, ranging from a traffic accident to deliberate action, without confirming any precise motive so far.

Community reacts to tragic events

Mezzetti described the episode as deeply disturbing and called for full clarity on what occurred. Emergency services maintained a strong presence in the area for hours afterwards to manage the scene and gather evidence. This incident has left residents in the northern Italian city shaken, with questions lingering about safety in popular urban zones.

Medical updates indicate varying degrees of harm among those struck, including a cyclist caught in the initial impact. Local media outlets report ongoing efforts to reconstruct the sequence using CCTV and statements from those present.

Wider questions arise from Modena events

Italian authorities focus on piecing together timelines from multiple sources to understand the full picture. The episode draws attention to risks in crowded city streets and the role of rapid public response in such crises. As details develop, Modena officials stress support for affected families while ensuring thorough probes proceed.

Cartagena held a major celebration on Saturday, May 16, in Los Juncos Park, with their Family Day workshop. The activity was a chance for children, young people, parents, and grandparents to get together and enjoy a variety of leisure activities, fostering both participation, healthy activity, and coexistence among neighbours.

A celebration that brought young people, parents, and grandparents together in Los Juncos Park

During the Family Day celebration, attendees enjoyed a mobile disco, a family photobooth, a car circuit, games, and workshops, including for makeup, canvas-painting, and badge-making. The initiative was also aimed at helping families through various programmes and resources. The Cartagena City Council had set up an information tent to make resources available for children, adolescents, and families. 

One of the main focuses of the day was to continue promoting the need for policies to help families and facilitate a work-life balance, with measures that improve well-being in the municipality and help families financially.

Aid to families: How Cartagena helps struggling parents with financial aid and free programmes

Additionally, it was noted that Cartagena has more than 1,000 available free slots in municipal nursery schools, helping families save more than €500,000 a year and making it easier for parents to balance their work and family life.

The Cartagena City Council, during the event, also informed attendees of the direct maternity aid promoted by the city’s officials, as well as the family respite programmes, and the home help and care programmes for those dependent on it.

Social groups participate in the event

During the event, a variety of social entities and groups that work in favour of child protection, inclusion, and family support participated. It was a day that fostered inclusion and connecting as a community, as well as promoting work-life balance, equal opportunities for all, and support for struggling households in the municipality.

One of the most iconic club nights on the planet heads to  the coast this Friday, May 22. Disco, house and funk lovers on the coast have a serious reason to get out and party. Glitterbox, the world renowned party brand born out of Defected Records makes its debut appearance taking over Por Fin beach club in Estepona. Doors open at 5pm, with the party running through to the early hours ending at 12am. 

What is Glitterbox?

Launched in 2014 by Simon Dunmore, founder of house music institution Defected Records, Glitterbox has spent over a decade raising roofs with its feel-good house and disco music, sequins, feather boas, and a fiercely inclusive, judgement-free atmosphere, the brand built its reputation over time from long-running Friday night residencies in Ibiza, most recently at Amnesia and has since taken its dancefloor magic to cities across the globe.

Who’s playing?

Friday’s line-up is a belter. Roger Sanchez headlines, the Grammy Award-winning New York house legend whose remix of No Doubt’s Hella Good took home the Best Remixed Recording prize in 2003, and who is equally celebrated for his own UK number one, Another Chance. Joining him is Fat Tony, the London DJ with over 35 years behind the decks, Sunday Times-bestselling author, and long-time Glitterbox regular whose A-list admirers include Madonna and the Beckhams. Completing the trio is Ella Knight, a DJ, singer and songwriter whose soulful fusions of disco, house, garage and Afro rhythms have earned her sets at Boiler Room, Fabric and Glastonbury, and a growing association with the Defected family.

Tickets and VIP options

General admission tickets are priced between €55 and €65, with VIP beds and tables available from €500. For VIP reservations contact Por Fin directly via WhatsApp on +44 7763 544748. Tickets are on sale now via the Glitterbox website and Fatsoma.

What’s next for Glitterbox in Spain?

Friday’s Estepona date is just the beginning of Glitterbox and Defected’s Spanish summer. Glitterbox heads to Sonar Festival in Barcelona on Saturday, June 20, before Defected returns to the Marbella Arena on Friday, June 26 with DJ EZ, Eliza Rose, and Mele.

Music lovers will not want to miss this, book early and head over to this unforgettable event. 

Glitterbox is at Por Fin, Calle Dunas de Casasola, Atalaya Isdabe, 5pm–12am.

For more information visit the Glitterbox or Por Fin websites.