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Driver Injures Eight in Modena Pedestrian Attack, Arrested

5/18/2026

47 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On 16 May 2026, a driver crashed a car into pedestrians on Via Emilia in Modena, injuring eight, four seriously, and was arrested.
One female victim was pinned against a shop window and may need bilateral leg amputation.
Police said Salim El Koudri, previously treated for schizoid disorders, tried to flee, was stopped by bystanders and is held pending toxicology results with no evidence of drug use or extremist links.

History

Historical Context

Vehicle-ramming attacks reoccur after Alek Minassian’s April 23 2018 van assault in Toronto, where 11 pedestrians were killed and 15 injured, prompting authorities, including the Toronto Police Service, to consider stricter vehicle-security rules and mental-health programs. The 2026 Modena incident echoes this pattern, leading Italy’s Ministry of the Interior to expand similar preventative measures.

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Story summary

On 16 May 2026, a driver crashed a car into pedestrians on Via Emilia in Modena, injuring eight, four seriously, and was arrested.
One female victim was pinned against a shop window and may need bilateral leg amputation.
Police said Salim El Koudri, previously treated for schizoid disorders, tried to flee, was stopped by bystanders and is held pending toxicology results with no evidence of drug use or extremist links.

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