Eight injured after driver plows into pedestrians in Modena, Italy

A quiet stretch of central Modena turned chaotic when a 31-year-old driver steered his car onto the sidewalk, struck pedestrians and crashed into a shop window, leaving eight people injured and four of them seriously hurt. The violence unfolded on Via Emilia Centro on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and ended only after passers-by gave chase and helped stop the man.

Among the victims was a woman who was pinned against the shop window and later required the amputation of both legs. Emergency crews, including carabinieri and Financial Police officers, sealed off the area and rushed the most critical cases to hospitals in Modena and Bologna, including by helicopter. The scene underscored how quickly a vehicle attack in a crowded urban center can spread fear far beyond the immediate injuries, especially in a busy pedestrian zone where shoppers and bystanders have little time to react.

Authorities identified the driver as Salim El Koudri, born in Bergamo and living in the province of Modena. Police detained him and questioned him at headquarters in Modena while investigators worked to determine whether the crash was deliberate or linked to another cause. Officials said no immediate evidence of drugs or alcohol had emerged, and they had not found any link to extremist groups. Local officials also said El Koudri had been known to mental health services for schizoid disorders and was unemployed, but investigators said the motive remained unclear.

Witnesses said El Koudri was carrying a knife and tried to flee after the car struck pedestrians. One bystander suffered a slight injury when the suspect allegedly attacked him with the knife, though he did not manage to stab anyone. The detail sharpened concerns that the threat did not end when the car stopped, but continued as the suspect attempted to escape into the crowd.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the incident extremely serious, expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, and thanked the citizens who intervened. She said she was in contact with local authorities and expected the perpetrator to be held accountable. Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti said no one was killed, adding that if the episode proved to have been an attack, it would be even more serious.