A violent incident in the center of Modena on the afternoon of May 16 left several people injured after a driver deliberately drove a vehicle into a crowd of pedestrians. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Salim El Koudri, was detained following a chaotic scene that involved both a high-speed collision and an attempted stabbing.
The event unfolded on Via Emilia, where a Citroen C3 traveling at high speed from Largo Garibaldi targeted the sidewalk. Witnesses described the vehicle accelerating suddenly, reaching speeds estimated at 100 km/h, before crashing into a shop window.
Following the crash, the driver exited the vehicle and attempted to attack a passerby with a knife. He was eventually overpowered and immobilized by a group of four citizens, including two Egyptian nationals, before being handed over to the police.
Casualties and Medical Emergency
Reports on the number of victims varied during the initial hours, with final counts indicating eight injured individuals, comprising five women and three men. Four of the victims are in grave condition, with two transported via helicopter to the Maggiore Hospital in Bologna.
Among the most critical is a 55-year-old woman whose injuries were severe enough to necessitate life-support and surgical interventions; reports indicate she may have suffered the amputation of her legs. The victims also included a German tourist and a Polish woman.
Suspect Background and Psychiatric History
Salim El Koudri is an Italian citizen of Moroccan origin, born in the province of Bergamo and residing in Ravarino. He now faces charges of strage (massacre).
Prefect Fabrizia Triolo revealed that in 2022, the man had been monitored by a mental health center for schizoid disorders following a state of psychic alteration. However, authorities noted that he subsequently “disappeared from the radar” of health services.
A search of his residence in Ravarino found no evidence of radicalization or ties to subversive organizations. Instead, investigators found signs of severe mental instability, though the suspect was not under the influence of psychotropic substances at the time of his arrest.
Investigation and Political Response
The investigation is being coordinated by the Modena Prosecutor’s Office, with significant involvement from the Antiterrorism unit of the Dda in Bologna, led by prosecutor Paolo Guido. Personnel from the Bologna Digos were deployed to Modena to assist in gathering information.
Mayor Massimo Mezzetti praised the courage of the citizens who intervened, specifically noting the role of foreign nationals to counter “scavenging” narratives appearing on social media. The event drew reactions from the highest levels of government, including President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, both of whom expressed solidarity with the city.
Potential Next Steps
The legal process is likely to focus on the suspect’s mental capacity, as the findings regarding his psychiatric history could determine whether he is held fully responsible for the charges of strage.
the investigation may lead to a review of how mental health patients who cease treatment are tracked by local health authorities. Further interrogations and forensic analysis of the vehicle and home search results could provide more clarity on the motive behind the deliberate act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the driver of the vehicle?
The driver was Salim El Koudri, a 31-year-old Italian citizen of Moroccan origin, born in Bergamo and residing in Ravarino, who holds a degree in Economics.
How many people were injured in the attack?
Reports indicate eight people were injured (five women and three men), with four in grave condition. Three individuals have since been discharged.
Was the attack linked to terrorism?
While the Antiterrorism unit of the Dda in Bologna is monitoring the case, initial searches of the suspect’s home found no evidence of radicalization or links to subversive groups, pointing instead toward mental instability.
How can cities better balance the need for public security with the challenges of monitoring severe mental health disorders?
