Italian Leaders Visit Modena After Car-Ramming Incident Leaves Eight Injured
A 31-year-old man drove into pedestrians in Modena, injuring eight people; authorities rule out terrorism, citing mental health issues.
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, a 31-year-old man drove his car into a crowd in Modena, Italy, injuring eight people, four of whom are in serious condition. The driver, identified as Salim El Koudri, an Italian national of Moroccan origin, attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by bystanders and subsequently arrested by police.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive, attributing the incident to the driver's mental health issues. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that the attack appears related "to a situation of psychiatric distress."
Among the injured, a 55-year-old woman remains in critical condition after being pinned against a shop window, resulting in the amputation of her legs. Two other victims also underwent amputations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella visited Modena on Sunday to meet with the victims and their families. Meloni condemned the attack as "extremely serious" and expressed gratitude to the citizens who intervened to detain the perpetrator.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances and motivations behind the incident.