At least eight individuals were injured when a car crashed into a crowd in Modena, a northern Italian city, on Saturday. The driver, 31-year-old Salim El Khoudry, reportedly also stabbed a person who attempted to help others.
The mayor, Massimo Mezzetti, informed local television that thankfully no fatalities occurred, but among the injured, four were in critical condition. He explained that the vehicle entered a major street, struck the pavement, and hurled several people before slamming into a store window.
One woman was left pinned against the window and may require amputations. El Khoudry, originally from Bergamo but raised in Modena, has a background suggesting mental health issues, though no links to extremist groups have been found. He is currently unemployed.
Authorities detained El Khoudry for questioning, as they investigate possible intent behind his actions. There’s no current evidence to suggest he was intoxicated during the incident.
Governor of Modena, Fabrizia Toriolo, stated that El Khoudry was known to mental health services for suspected schizophrenia, indicating he might be mentally unstable.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the event as “extremely serious” and extended her sympathies to the victims and their families. In her social media statement, she praised the quick actions of bystanders who tried to intervene and commended law enforcement’s efforts.
Meloni mentioned she is in ongoing discussions with local authorities to stay updated on the situation, emphasizing that the perpetrator must face the consequences of his actions.
