Four people fighting for life after driver plows into pedestrians in Modena, Italy

The driver tried to flee before being apprehended by police, according to local authorities, who said he was known to officials to have mental disorders.

Authorities identified the driver as Salim El Koudri, a 31-year-old second-generation Italian born in Bergamo and living in the province of Modena.

El Koudri, who has a degree in economics, is unemployed, authorities said.

He was detained and interrogated at police headquarters in Modena while investigators tried to determine whether he acted deliberately.

Investigators said during a news conference Saturday evening that there was no immediate indication that the man was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

As part of the investigation, his home was searched.

Modena prefect Fabrizia Triolo said El Koudri was known to the local mental health system for schizoid disorders, while officials stressed that early findings indicated possible mental instability but required further verification.

No links to extremist groups have emerged.

Mezzetti said the vehicle entered one of the city’s main streets and the man “swerved onto the sidewalk, causing several people to flee” before crashing into the store’s window.

Victims were taken to hospitals in Modena and Bologna, and for the most critical cases also by helicopter.

El Koudri tried to flee but was first stopped by some civilians involved in the crash and then taken by police and to headquarters for questioning.

Witnesses reported that the man was holding a knife but failed to stab anyone, the mayor said, adding that investigators are still working to determine whether the act was intentional or related to other causes.

Witnesses reported that the man was holding a knife but failed to stab anyone, the mayor said, adding that investigators are still working to determine whether the act was intentional or related to other causes.

“Whatever the nature, it is a very serious act,” Mezzetti said. “If it was a seizure, it would be even more serious.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the incident “extremely serious” in a social media post and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

Meloni thanked the citizens who intervened to stop the suspect and praised law enforcement. She added that she was in contact with local authorities and expected the suspect to be held fully accountable.

Emergency services, including police, carabinieri and financial police, arrived at the scene, which was cordoned off while ambulances treated the victims on the street.

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