A tragic incident unfolded in the northern Italian city of Modena on Saturday, where a man drove his car directly into a group of pedestrians, injuring eight individuals, including four seriously.
The attack occurred around 4:30 PM local time in Via Emilia, near Modena's iconic cathedral. Witnesses reported the car speeding at least 100km/h (62 mph) before it veered onto the sidewalk, resulting in numerous injuries. Among the victims, one woman had to undergo the amputation of both her legs due to her injuries.
After the car eventually crashed into a shop window, the driver exited the vehicle wielding a knife. During his attempt to flee, he injured a bystander who courageously gave chase, before being subdued by passersby.
Authorities identified the driver as a 31-year-old Italian national of Moroccan origin, Salim El Koudri. It was reported that he had previously been referred to a mental health center for schizoid disorders but had subsequently vanished without a trace.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cancelled her planned trip to Cyprus, calling the incident extremely serious. She, along with President Sergio Mattarella, visited the injured in hospital the following day. Meloni expressed her appreciation for the bravery shown by Luca Signorelli, the passerby who intervened in the attack, highlighting the extraordinary nature of ordinary citizens taking heroic actions in moments of crisis.
Modena's Mayor, Massimo Mezzetti, described the circumstances of the incident, clarifying that the suspect seemingly drove onto the pavement with the intent of causing harm.
This shocking act has ignited discussions surrounding safety and security in public spaces in Italy, and spurred reactions from various officials, including Matteo Salvini, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister, who labeled the attacker as a second-generation criminal.
Inquiries continue as the community grapples with the impact of this unsettling occurrence.
