Eight people were injured last night in a car ramming attack in the centre of Milan, with security services across Europe now on high alert. The incident, which occurred near the city's main railway station, saw a vehicle mount the pavement and strike pedestrians before the driver was detained by police. Authorities have confirmed the event is being treated as a deliberate act, though the motive remains unclear. Forensic teams are examining the vehicle and the driver is being questioned.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as the grey saloon car accelerated onto the crowded pavement around 7pm local time. One bystander told reporters: "It happened so fast. People were just thrown into the air. The screaming was horrible." Emergency services rushed the injured to five different hospitals. Two are said to be in a serious condition.
The incident sends a chill across a continent already braced for heightened security threats. In recent weeks, European nations have tightened vigilance after warnings from intelligence agencies about potential copycat attacks following events in other countries. The use of vehicles as weapons has become a recurring terror tactic, from Nice to Berlin to London. Today's ramming will inevitably revive those fears.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi convened an emergency meeting of security chiefs overnight. In a statement released this morning, he said: "We are treating this with the utmost seriousness. All necessary measures are being taken to protect the public and to understand the full circumstances." He called for calm but urged citizens to remain alert.
Across the continent, police forces have been placed on standby. In London, Scotland Yard confirmed an increased presence at transport hubs and tourist sites. French authorities announced extra patrols in Paris and along the Riviera. In Germany, federal police said they were monitoring the situation closely. The coordinated response signals a recognition that the threat landscape has not diminished.
For ordinary people, the attack is a jarring reminder of the fragility of safety in public spaces. Milan, a bustling hub of commerce and tourism, has seen its economy hit hard by previous security scares. As one local shopkeeper told me: "We just want to get on with our lives. But every time something like this happens, the fear comes back."
The investigation is in its early stages. Police have not released the driver's identity or background, but counter-terrorism prosecutors are involved. The ramming mirrors a pattern seen in other attacks where vehicles are used as blunt instruments because they are easy to obtain and difficult to stop. Security analysts point out that such low-tech methods remain a persistent challenge for security services.
As the sun rose over Milan this morning, the streets around the station were quieter than usual. Commuters walked with heads down, some casting nervous glances at passing cars. The city is resilient, but it is also weary. The incident comes at a time of economic strain across Italy, with the cost of living rising and wages stagnating. For many, the added concern of security is one worry too many.
This story is developing. Further details are expected later today as police continue their inquiries. For now, the continent holds its breath, hoping this is an isolated act and not the beginning of a new wave.
