A vehicle deliberately struck a group of pedestrians on a major shopping street in Modena’s historic center on the afternoon of May 16, 2026, in what authorities described as a high-speed ramming attack. Initial reports indicate at least seven to eight people were injured, with four in critical condition. Among those hurt were a 55-year-old woman who sustained life-threatening injuries and faced severe outcomes, including double leg amputations. Victims were transported to hospitals in Modena and Bologna as investigators assess the full scope of the event.
Authorities identified the driver as Salim El Koudri, a 31-year-old Italian citizen with Moroccan ancestry, who had an economics degree and lived in Ravarino, in Modena province. After crashing into a shop window, El Koudri fled on foot and attempted to stab bystanders with a knife before being subdued and disarmed by several bystanders who intervened. As the case moves through legal channels, police and investigators will examine motive, available security footage, and any potential links to broader patterns of violence.