A bus driver in Italy was arrested Wednesday after allegedly taking 51 children hostage and setting the vehicle ablaze.
There were no deaths and no one was badly injured in what was described as “a miracle” by Milan chief prosecutor Francesco Greco, according to the BBC.
Authorities said Ousseynou Sy, an Italian citizen originally from Senegal, told them he was vindicating the deaths of migrants crossing the Mediterranean after being captured. After veering the bus off course, Sy reportedly told the children, “No one will survive.”
The 47-year-old Sy was stopped by police before he jumped from the vehicle, which was doused in kerosene, and set it ablaze. Authorities rushed in, breaking windows and rescuing the children from the burning bus. Some of the kids on board had been tied up.
Sy allegedly sent a video alluding to action to friends in Italy and Senegal with the message, “Africa, Rise up.”
Greco said authorities are deciding whether to level terrorism charges against Sy, who has already been charged with kidnapping, attempted mass murder, causing a fire, and resisting arrest. Officials say they are also weighing whether to revoke Sy’s citizenship.
Although there were no major injuries, 14 people suffered smoke inhalation.
