Italian driver intentionally hits cyclists near Turin, four seriously injured

ROME — Italian police said a 73-year-old driver deliberately drove into a group of amateur cyclists near Turin, seriously injuring four of them. The incident occurred on a road north of the city after a dispute between the driver and the cyclists, according to a police statement. Four cyclists were seriously hurt in the crash. One was taken to the hospital in critical condition, while two others were airlifted by helicopter, including one who was found to have multiple fractures and severe injuries. Police said the driver stopped abruptly, then reversed into four cyclists and struck the same group a second time. The cyclists recorded the vehicle's license plate, and the driver later surrendered to police. He was detained at his home under a compulsory residence order and faces multiple charges, including aggravated wounding and attempted manslaughter. According to the initial investigation, the driver claimed six cyclists were occupying most of the road between the towns of Lanzo Torinese and Coassolo. He said he tried to pass them by honking, and the cyclists responded with angry gestures, escalating the tension before the collision.