Salim el Koudri arrested after Modena crash injures seven

modena’s via Emilia Centro was hit around 17:00 on 16 May 2026 when a Citroen C3 came from Largo Garibaldi at high speed and struck pedestrians near largo Porta Bologna. Seven people were injured, and three were in serious condition.

The driver, identified as Salim el Koudri, 31, was stopped after bystanders pulled him from the car and chased him to Rua Pioppa and via Gallucci. Police took him to headquarters in arrest for questioning after the confrontation.

Via Emilia Centro

The car continued for about 200 meters before stopping. One citizen who pulled the driver out was slightly injured after the driver allegedly drew a knife during the attempt to flee. The driver was immobilized after a violent struggle, and the area was cordoned off while 118 ambulances moved repeatedly in and out of the scene.

Ospedale Maggiore Bologna

Two of the injured were flown by helicopter to Ospedale Maggiore in Bologna, and a third was taken to Baggiovara. One woman had both legs amputated after being hit by the car and crushed against a building wall. The Local Police carried out the accident reports, while the investigation was handed to the State Police.

Modena Center Inspection

The Prefect, the mayor, and the President of the Province went to the site for an inspection. The crash unfolded in the heart of Modena’s historic center on a Saturday afternoon, when the area was typically crowded, and the provisional toll settled at seven injured after earlier reports suggested a larger number of victims.