Tragedy in Esslingen, Germany, where a woman of Italian origin and her little children died after being hit by an SUV while walking on a sidewalk.

The victims are Antonella Ribisi, 39 years old, originally from Palma di Montechiaro (Agrigento), and the little ones Gabriel and Alessio, aged 6 and 3.

According to an initial reconstruction, the woman was taking her two children to soccer practice when the car suddenly crashed onto the sidewalk, leaving them no escape. The driver was a 54-year-old man who was injured.

Police in the town near Stuttgart are now working to determine whether the driver lost control of the vehicle due to illness or whether he had been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The 39-year-old's Sicilian hometown is in deep mourning. "We are rallying around the family for this immense tragedy. The entire city is in mourning today. We entrust ourselves to the Lord so that He can help the family bear this enormous pain. On the day of the funeral I will proclaim a day of mourning," commented Mayor Stefano Castellino.

(Online Union)