A seven-year-old girl has tragically passed away, and a teacher along with five other students sustained injuries during a knife assault at a school in the Croatian capital, as per official statements.
The occurrence transpired at a primary educational institution in Zagreb, according to the national news agency Hina.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded shortly before 10 AM on Friday in the Precko district.
The assailant was characterized as a “young male” and has since been apprehended.
Emergency response teams, including paramedics and an air ambulance, swiftly arrived at Precko Elementary School after authorities were notified of the attack.
The teacher involved is reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently hospitalized following surgery, as stated by State broadcaster HRT.
Pic: Reuters
It has been reported that the assailant entered the school and immediately proceeded to the first classroom he encountered, where he attacked the students.
Footage shared by Croatian media depicted children fleeing from the educational facility.
Reports from Croatian media outlets conveyed that the school was effectively “under siege,” with both students and staff left “in disbelief” and distressed.
As reported by Dnevnik.hr, at least one child succumbed to injuries sustained, bringing the total number of injured individuals to eight, including the attacker.
Health Minister Irena Hristic verified that one of the assaulted pupils has indeed died.
The Ministry of the Interior released a statement identifying the attacker as a 19-year-old male. Local reports indicated that he was a former student, who was transported to a hospital by police and is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed his “horror” at the attack during the opening of a government session today, noting that authorities are diligently working to ascertain the specifics of the event.
“We are appalled,” he stated.
“We extend our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the injured students from Precko Elementary School.”
The injured individuals have been transferred to various hospitals throughout the capital for medical attention, he added.
“We are profoundly shocked by this tragic event and express our deepest sympathy to all victims and their families,” city officials stated in a press release.
“This represents a significant tragedy for the City of Zagreb and for all of Croatia.”
“The mayor and his team are present on the scene. In the meantime, the police are working to clarify all details; the perpetrator has been apprehended.”
“The city will provide psychological support to students, parents, and school personnel.”
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