US servicewoman allegedly struck and killed teen in Italy

A US servicewoman stationed in Italy is under investigation for allegedly striking and killing a 15-year-old boy with her car in the country.

The woman, 20, allegedly hit Giovanni Zanier after driving into the edge of a roundabout in the town of Porcia around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Italian media reported.

Zanier had been chatting with two friends on a cycling path near the road at the time of crash.

The young teen’s body flew several yards and he died while on the way to an area hospital, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported. His friends were not injured.

The woman, who is stationed at Aviano Air Base about 9 miles from the site of the crash, remained at the scene and called for medical help, according to local outlets.

She has been placed under house arrest on the base as local prosecutors investigate her for alleged vehicular homicide.

If local prosecutors indict the servicewoman, American authorities could invoke jurisdiction as part of an Italian-American military treaty. Military officials in the US could take over the prosecution in that case.

American authorities declined to identify the servicewoman or provide further details.

US Military officials said they are working closely with Italian law enforcement and expressed their “deepest condolences” to the Zanier’s family.

“The young man’s family and the local community are in our hearts and prayers,” the military base authorities said in a statement.

Locals of the town said the roundabout where the boy was struck is poorly illuminated.

“I hope the town reflects on the situation of the street lighting and signage,″ Ada Zanier, an aunt of the victim, told Sky News.

She said several car crashes have occurred at or near the roundabout prior to her nephew’s death.

Mayor Marco Sartini told Sky the lighting at the roundabout was reduced in line with Italian government appeals to reduce energy use amid feared shortages linked to uncertainties surrounding Russian energy supplies amid the war in Ukraine.

With Post wires