A Ukrainian girl fleeing the war was killed by an Italian driver

A Ukrainian girl who fled her country was killed in Italy when a young man mowed her down in his vehicle, authorities said.

Five-year-old girl Tasia arrived with her mother Luda in Crotone, a port city in southern Italy, about a month ago after fleeing Russian invaders, The US Sun reported.

She was out and about in the town of Cantorato on Sunday with her 16-year-old cousin and the girl’s boyfriend who was holding her, according to the outlet, citing local outlet Corriere.

Suddenly, a Fiat Diablo driven by an 18-year-old man accelerated towards the group and crashed into them around 6:30 p.m

The 16-year-old boy suffered head injuries and broken bones while Tasia fell to the ground, hit his head and reportedly died instantly.

Police are investigating whether the driver charged with aggravated road homicide was a romantic rival of the injured teenager.

The suspect was reported twice for driving without a license in 2020, The US Sun reported.

Crotone Mayor Vincenzo Voce said he was “devastated” by Tasia’s death, adding that just a few days ago he “welcomed children who escaped a terrible war”.

He wrote on Facebook: “There are no words. Just a deep pain. A pain that unites the entire city community.”