How Did a Police Officer Die After Being Hit by a Lorry on the E45 in Cesena?

Quick answer: Antonio Villani, a 50-year-old police officer from Avellino, died on 18 October 2026 after being hit by a lorry while on foot in a service area on the E45 in the Cesena area of Italy. He was on duty escorting Avellino football fans travelling to Cesena for a Serie B match. A colleague was also injured.

Key facts

• What: Police officer struck by a lorry in a service area
• Where: E45 (state road 3 bis "Tiberina"), Borello service area, in the Cesena area of Romagna, Italy
• When: 18 October 2026, afternoon
• Reported toll: 1 dead, 1 injured
• Victim: Antonio Villani, 50, police officer of the Avellino Questura
• Status: Investigation under way

What happened

Antonio Villani was a 50-year-old police officer serving with the Avellino Questura. On Sunday 18 October 2026 he was on public-order duty as part of the escort for fans of Avellino, the Campania football club, who were travelling to Cesena for a Serie B match.

According to the first findings reported, Villani was on foot in a service area on the E45 in Romagna territory when he was accidentally hit by a lorry. The incident happened in the service area at Borello, on the state road 3 bis "Tiberina".

Emergency medical crews from 118 attended, but there was nothing they could do to save him. A colleague of the officer was also injured in the incident.

The road closure

Because of the incident, the state road 3 bis "Tiberina" was closed to traffic northbound at kilometre 213,700, at Borello. Closures of this kind allow investigators and emergency teams to work safely at the scene and let the road be checked before it is reopened.

Investigation and tributes

The Polizia are handling the findings and the investigation into exactly how the incident happened. The municipality of Cesena expressed deep condolences for the death of the officer.

If you are on foot near a busy road

• Stay well away from moving traffic and use marked walkways and rest areas wherever they exist.
• Make yourself visible, especially in low light: bright or reflective clothing helps drivers see you sooner.
• Never assume a driver has seen you, even if you have seen the vehicle.
• If you are travelling in a group, keep together and follow the instructions of anyone managing the escort or the scene.
• Know the local emergency number before you travel — in Italy it is 112.

Frequently asked questions

Who was the police officer who died on the E45?

Antonio Villani, a 50-year-old police officer of the Avellino Questura, who died after being hit by a lorry while on foot in a service area on the E45 near Cesena on 18 October 2026.

Where did the incident happen?

In a service area at Borello on the E45 (state road 3 bis "Tiberina"), in the Cesena area of Romagna, Italy.

Was anyone else hurt?

Yes. A colleague of the officer was injured, according to the reporting.

What is being investigated?

The Polizia are handling the findings. The exact circumstances of the incident were still being established at the time of the report.

Source: Il Messaggero — https://www.ilmessaggero.it/italia/poliziotto_investito_camion_scorta_tifosi_trasferta_cesena_avellino-9833336.html