Driver plows into crowd in Modena, injuring eight; man arrested

A gray Citroën C3 struck at least eight people in the center of Modena, northern Italy, on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. Four of the injured were in critical condition.

The vehicle struck a bicycle and a group of pedestrians on the right side of the street before the driver steered toward the sidewalk. The car then zigzagged through the area and suddenly turned left, striking a woman in front of a shop on Via Emilia, a limited-traffic zone in the historic center. The woman was pinned against the shop window.

The driver, identified as Salim ElKoudri, 31, of Moroccan origin and a resident of Ravarino in Modena province, exited the vehicle and struck one person with a knife before being stopped by bystanders, according to authorities. Three of the injured were revived at the scene.

Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti told reporters that the suspect was apprehended after other people intervened. The eight injured consisted of five women and three men.

The Modena prosecutor's office ordered ElKoudri's detention on charges of attempted massacre and aggravated assault with a weapon. Prosecutor Luca Masini stated that there were "clear and evident precise intentions to endanger public safety and not only the lives of individual persons."

According to local reports, ElKoudri holds a degree in business economics and had no prior criminal record. In recent years, he had been followed by the mental health center of the local health authority. Testing conducted immediately after his arrest showed he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The investigation was ongoing as of Saturday evening, with charges subject to further determination.