7 Injured in Milan Piazza del Duomo Incident
Panic in Piazza del Duomo: Seven Injured as Driver Plows into Crowd
Malta, 12th April – The peaceful ambiance of Italy’s Piazza del Duomo in Milan was shattered on Monday afternoon as a driver, later identified as a 38-year-old local resident, accelerated his vehicle into a crowd of pedestrians. The incident, which occurred around 3 PM local time, left seven people injured, with two in critical condition.
The Scene Unfolds
Witnesses reported chaos as the grey Fiat Panda sped across the cobblestone square, narrowly missing a group of tourists near the iconic Milan Cathedral. “It happened so fast,” said Maria Rossi, a local shopkeeper. “One moment everyone was enjoying the sun, the next, people were screaming and running.”
The driver, identified by Italian authorities as Marco Bianchi, was quickly apprehended by police who had been patrolling the area. Bianchi, who was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, was reportedly distraught and incoherent at the scene. He has since been taken into custody for attempted homicide.
Reactions and Aftermath
Local authorities swiftly responded, closing off the area and dispatching multiple ambulances. The injured were transported to nearby Niguarda Hospital, where doctors worked to stabilize their conditions. “We’re doing everything we can to help these people,” said Dr. Lorenzo Rossi, a spokesperson for the hospital.
Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, visited the scene, expressing his shock and solidarity with the victims. “An act like this has no place in our city,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the injured and their families.”
In Malta, reactions poured in from both political figures and the public. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” said Opposition Leader Adrian Delia. “We stand with Italy in condemning this senseless act.”
Meanwhile, the Maltese-Italian community in Malta held a small vigil at the Italian Cultural Institute in Valletta, lighting candles and leaving flowers in solidarity with the victims.
Security Measures and Investigations
In the wake of the incident, Milan’s police have announced increased security measures in city squares, with more patrols and vehicle barriers planned. Italian authorities are also investigating whether Bianchi had any political motivations, although no evidence has been found so far.
Back in Malta, the incident has sparked discussions about pedestrian safety and potential security measures in crowded areas like Valletta’s City Gate or Republic Street. “We need to ensure our public spaces are safe for everyone,” said Dr. Justyne Caruana, Minister for Gozo and Local Government.
