Eight people were injured, four critically, after a driver ploughed into pedestrians in the Italian city of Modena on Saturday. Local authorities reported that the driver attempted to flee but was detained by police. The suspect, identified as Salim El Koudri, a 31-year-old second-generation Italian born in Bergamo and residing in the province of Modena, was known to officials for having mental disorders. He holds a degree in economics and is currently unemployed.
El Koudri was taken into custody and questioned at police headquarters in Modena as investigators worked to determine whether the act was deliberate. There was no immediate indication that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to investigators at a press conference on Saturday evening. His home was searched as part of the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Incident
Modena Prefect Fabrizia Triolo stated that El Koudri had been known to local mental health services for schizoid disorders. Officials emphasized that early findings pointed to possible mental instability but required further verification. No links to extremist groups have emerged.
Mayor Massimo Mezzetti confirmed that no one was killed in the crash, but four victims were in serious condition. He described how a woman was pinned against a shop window, necessitating the amputation of both legs. The vehicle entered one of the city's main streets, and the man drove onto the sidewalk, sending several people flying before crashing into the shop window.
Victims were transported to hospitals in Modena and Bologna, with the most critical cases airlifted by helicopter. El Koudri allegedly attempted to flee but was stopped first by citizens involved in the crash and then by police before being taken for questioning.
Witness Accounts and Investigation
Witnesses reported that the man was holding a knife, but he did not manage to stab anyone, the mayor said. Investigators are still working to determine whether the act was deliberate or linked to other causes. Mayor Mezzetti remarked, 'Whatever the nature, it is a very serious act. If it were an attack, it would be even more serious.'
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called the incident extremely serious in a social media post and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. She thanked those who intervened to help stop the suspect and praised law enforcement, adding that she was in contact with local authorities and expected the suspect to be held fully accountable.
Emergency services, including police, carabinieri, and financial police, responded to the scene, which was cordoned off as ambulances treated victims in the street.
