MODENA, Italy — Italy was shaken on Saturday by a deliberate vehicle attack in the northern city of Modena, where a driver plowed into multiple pedestrians at high speed before crashing into a storefront and stabbing a bystander while attempting to flee, leaving eight people injured, four of them in critical condition, according to local authorities and verified media reports.
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The incident occurred in the Largo Porta Bologna area, where witnesses described seeing a car accelerate down a cobblestone street and strike approximately ten pedestrians before violently colliding with a shop window. Video footage circulating on social media showed the vehicle veering onto the sidewalk and impacting a person standing near the storefront. According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the driver then exited the vehicle and stabbed an individual before being subdued by bystanders and taken into custody by police.
The suspect, identified by Italian media as 31-year-old Salim El Koudri, is described as an Italian citizen of Moroccan origin, born in Seriate in the province of Bergamo but residing in Modena province. Reports indicate he holds a degree in economics and has no prior criminal record, though authorities have not confirmed these details and emphasize that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty through judicial proceedings.
“The scene was chaotic and terrifying,” said one witness who requested anonymity. “People were screaming, running, trying to help those who had been hit. It happened so fast.”
Local health authorities confirmed that eight people were injured in the attack: five women and three men. Two women, aged 53 and 69, were admitted to Baggiovara Hospital in critical condition, along with a 69-year-old man whose injuries were described as serious but stable. A 55-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man were transported to Bologna’s Maggiore Hospital in critical and serious condition, respectively. Three additional victims, aged 27, 71, and 47, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. One of the critically injured women reportedly suffered the amputation of both legs following the collision.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes, providing triage care, extinguishing fires sparked by the crash, and coordinating the transport of victims to nearby medical facilities. Police sealed off the area to preserve evidence and ensure public safety while investigators began reconstructing the sequence of events.
Footage captured by bystanders showed the moment the suspect was tackled by citizens in the street despite reportedly brandishing a knife at the time. “People acted bravely to stop him from causing more harm,” said a local official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We are grateful for their courage and quick thinking.”
The motive for the attack remains under investigation. Italian counterterrorism authorities have been notified and are reviewing available evidence to determine whether the incident constitutes an act of terrorism or stems from other factors. Prosecutors in Modena have opened a formal inquiry, and the suspect is expected to face charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and endangering public safety.
“Every indication suggests this was an intentional act,” said a spokesperson for the Modena Provincial Police. “We are working around the clock to establish the facts and ensure that justice is served.”
Modena, a city of approximately 185,000 residents in the Emilia-Romagna region, is known for its rich cultural heritage, automotive industry, and generally low crime rates. The attack has prompted an outpouring of concern from local officials, religious leaders, and community members, many of whom gathered near the scene to offer support to victims and their families.
The Italian authorities have announced that yesterday’s car-ramming attack in Modena by Salim El Koudri was not a case of terrorism but due to “mental health issues”
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) May 17, 2026
🇮🇹🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/G4yardYJSn
“We stand together in solidarity with those affected by this tragedy,” said Modena’s mayor in a brief public statement. “Our city is strong, and we will not be intimidated by violence.”
National political leaders have also responded to the incident. Italy’s Interior Minister expressed condolences to the victims and pledged full support for the investigation, while emphasizing the government’s commitment to public safety. “Attacks on innocent civilians have no place in our society,” the minister stated. “Those who perpetrate such acts will face the full force of the law.”
For the victims and their families, the aftermath involves physical recovery, emotional trauma, and navigating complex legal and medical processes. Crisis counseling services have been activated, and victim support organizations are providing assistance with practical needs, including transportation, translation, and liaison with authorities.
“We are here for anyone who needs help,” said a representative from a Modena-based victim advocacy group. “No one should have to face this alone.”
The incident has reignited broader conversations about public space security, vehicle access in pedestrian zones, and community-based responses to emergencies. Urban planning experts note that many European cities have implemented measures such as bollards, restricted traffic zones, and enhanced surveillance to mitigate the risk of vehicle-based attacks, though balancing security with accessibility remains an ongoing challenge.
“Prevention requires a multi-layered approach,” said a Rome-based security analyst who requested anonymity. “Physical barriers, intelligent design, public awareness, and rapid response capabilities all play important roles in protecting communities.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have appealed to anyone who witnessed the attack or who may have video footage, photographs, or other relevant information to come forward. Even seemingly minor details—such as the suspect’s behavior prior to the incident, the vehicle’s route, or interactions with bystanders—could prove valuable in establishing a complete understanding of events.
Further updates regarding the condition of the injured, judicial proceedings against the suspect, and any additional security measures implemented in response to this incident are expected as Italian authorities provide information through official channels.
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Note: This report is based on statements from Italian law enforcement, health authorities, and verified media accounts including Corriere della Sera. The identity of the suspect has been disclosed in accordance with standard reporting practices for individuals facing serious criminal charges. All persons mentioned in connection with criminal activity are presumed innocent until proven guilty under applicable legal proceedings. Details regarding ongoing investigations remain subject to judicial protocols and operational security considerations.
Reporting from Modena. Additional contributions from Rome-based public safety correspondents and counterterrorism analysts.
