UMVA has learned that a shocking incident unfolded in the northern Italian city of Modena on Saturday, leaving at least eight people injured in a terrifying ordeal.
A vehicle careened into a crowd, slamming into a store window, and its driver, a 31-year-old man identified as Salim El Koudri, allegedly stabbed a brave passerby who attempted to intervene.
The mayor of Modena, Massimo Mezzetti, revealed that fortunately, no one was killed, but eight people were injured, with four in critical condition, fighting for their lives.
Mezzetti described the harrowing scene, saying the vehicle suddenly entered one of the city's main streets, "drove onto the sidewalk, sending several people flying," before crashing into the shop window.
One woman, who was pinned against a shop window, may face a dire fate, potentially requiring the amputation of both legs, adding to the anguish of the moment.
Authorities have revealed that El Koudri, born in Bergamo and raised in Modena with Maghreb origins, is unemployed and has a history of mental disorders, sparking concerns about possible extremist ties.
El Koudri was detained and questioned at police headquarters as authorities worked to determine if he acted deliberately, with no indication that he was under the influence at the time of the wreck.
Modena Prefect Fabrizia Triolo disclosed that El Koudri had "been known to local mental health services for schizoid disorders," and early findings suggested "possible mental instability," raising more questions.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the incident as "extremely serious" in a statement, expressing her closeness to the injured people and their families, while thanking citizens who bravely intervened.
Meloni vowed that the perpetrator would be held fully accountable for his actions, as the situation continues to unfold, with authorities working tirelessly to piece together the events.
