Italy: Driver jailed for fatal hit-and-run of cyclist in Salento

A 22-year-old man from Ugento has been placed in prison following the death of 28-year-old cyclist Daniele Congedi. The incident occurred on August 9 on the provincial road connecting Ugento and Racale in the Salento region.

The suspect faces charges of road homicide with aggravating circumstances, including leaving the scene of the accident and failure to provide assistance. According to judicial findings, the driver of the Lancia Y continued driving after the impact and only stopped when the vehicle broke down. The suspect reportedly presented himself to the Carabinieri the following day, claiming he believed he had struck an animal rather than a person.

The judge, Valeria Fedeli, granted the request for pretrial detention, citing a “propensity for predatory conduct” and a disregard for the consequences of driving. The court also noted the risk of flight and the fact that the suspect only came forward after learning of the cyclist's death through news reports. An autopsy indicated that Congedi might have survived if medical assistance had been provided immediately.