MODENA: A driver rammed a high-speed car into a crowd of pedestrians in northern Italy on Saturday afternoon. The violent Modena car ramming injured at least eight people on a busy downtown street.
Emergency responders rushed four critically injured victims to nearby hospitals. The vehicle pinned one female pedestrian against a shop window, forcing doctors to amputate both her legs.
The attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. on the popular Via Emilia Centro. Witnesses reported a grey Citroën C3 suddenly accelerated to speeds reaching 100 kilometers per hour.
The vehicle deliberately veered onto the sidewalk and sent several pedestrians flying through the air. The car finally came to a halt after smashing directly through a storefront window.
Bystanders Subdue Knife-Wielding Suspect
The suspect immediately jumped out of the wrecked vehicle and attempted to flee the scene on foot. He brandished a knife and slashed at a nearby civilian who tried to block his escape path.
Four courageous bystanders refused to back down and pursued the fleeing attacker. The citizens tackled the armed man to the ground and held him secure until law enforcement units arrived.
The brave intervention left one civilian with minor knife wounds. Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti praised the heroic citizens for showing immense courage and a profound civic sense.
Investigation Into Driver’s Motive
Police safely arrested the suspect and identified him as 31-year-old Salim El Koudri. El Koudri is an unemployed economics graduate born in Bergamo with no prior criminal record.
Officials revealed the suspect receives ongoing treatment for severe schizoid psychiatric disorders. Investigators searched El Koudri’s residence on Saturday evening to determine a definitive motive for the attack.
Early police reports show no initial connections between the suspect and known extremist or terrorist groups. Authorities also stated that preliminary tests show no immediate signs of drug or alcohol impairment.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the extremely serious incident on social media. Meloni expressed deep solidarity with the victims and promised to hold the perpetrator fully accountable.
