At least seven people were injured, several of them seriously, after a driver deliberately plowed a car into pedestrians in an Italian city center and then stabbed a bystander who tried to stop him.
The incident occurred on Via Emilia Centro, one of Modena’s main streets, on Saturday afternoon. Witnesses said the car, reportedly a Citroën C3, was driven at high speed onto the sidewalk, striking multiple pedestrians before crashing into a shop window.
After the crash, the driver exited the vehicle and stabbed a passerby who attempted to intervene. Bystanders quickly subdued the suspect until police arrived and arrested him. Authorities said there is no further danger to the public.
Casualties
- Seven people injured, according to police and multiple Italian media reports.
- At least four are in serious condition.
- Some victims were transported to Baggiovara Hospital in Modena and Maggiore Hospital in Bologna.
- Unconfirmed local reports mention one woman who lost both legs.
- No fatalities have been officially confirmed.
Suspect
The arrested man is a 31-year-old (reported as around 30) of North African origin, a second-generation Italian citizen. He was identified in some reports as Salim Elkoudri. He has been taken into custody.
Italian authorities are investigating the motive. While the possibility of a terrorist attack has not been ruled out, no claim of responsibility has been issued and terrorism has not yet been officially confirmed.
This is a rapidly developing story. More details are expected as the investigation continues.
