Tragedy occurred on Thursday afternoon, June 18, in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where an 11-year-old boy died in a car accident with a garbage truck.
The child was on his bike in the Lungo Crostolo area of the city, when, shortly after 14:00, swept away by the garbage truck. They were with him Two more children, which also rode bikes, without however being injured.
At the point rescuers immediately rushed, while a healthcare worker who was off duty tried to offer him first aid, carrying out cardiopulmonary rejuvenation and recovery efforts.
Reggio Emilia, muore 11enne in bici travolto da un camion dei rifiuti https://t.co/09F56nEtS pic.twitter. com/WD2iS8gy06— Il Fatto Quotidiano (@fattoquotidiano) June 18, 2026
The 11-year-old boy was transported to critical condition at Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova hospital, but doctors failed to keep it alive. He reportedly arrived at the hospital with no signs of life.
Local police have undertaken to investigate the circumstances of the accident, in order to reconstruct the exact course of events and to establish any responsibilities.
The death of the child caused shock to the local community. Reggio Emilia's Municipal Mobility Advisor, Carlota Bonvitsini, commented through social networks that the incident is "a collective tragedy" and called to reflection on road safety and behaviour all on the streets.
According to Italian media, a woman who saw the crash suffered a fainting episode due to shock and also needed the rescuers' help.
The 11-year-old boy, an Italian national, had just completed primary school.