A seven-year-old girl has tragically died, and eight others have been injured following a knife attack at Prečko Elementary School in Zagreb, Croatia. The attack, which occurred on Friday morning, was perpetrated by a 19-year-old man, believed to be a former student of the school. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the attacker entered a first-grade classroom at around 9:50 AM, targeting the teacher and several students.
Emergency response teams were quick to arrive, with helicopters transporting the injured to various hospitals across the city. According to health officials, the teacher sustained severe injuries and is currently in life-threatening condition, as confirmed by the Sveti Duh Hospital. Health Minister Irena Hristic stated, "One child has died as a result of the injuries," emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The police have reported the attacker was detained shortly after the incident, highlighting the urgency of the response. Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic confirmed the details, stating, "The injured persons are receiving medical treatment. Among those injured are students, but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening." These statements have been echoed and confirmed by various media sources, including the CNN affiliate N1.
Following the attack, Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed his horror at the event, stating, "We are appalled by this tragedy" and promising to declare a day of mourning for the victims. The mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomasevic, and other government officials were present at the scene, supporting the local community as they dealt with the aftermath.
Witnesses reported scenes of panic and distress, with children running from the school and ambulances quickly arriving to assist. Videos circulating on social media show frightened children fleeing the school grounds, creating an overwhelming atmosphere of shock. Some parents had to comfort their distraught children as they awaited their turn to reunite after the end of school hours.
The attack has raised serious concerns about school safety, especially considering the rarity of such incidents within Croatia and the Balkans. Previous reports have noted two mass shootings occurring close together last year across the border in Serbia, leading to heightened scrutiny surrounding gun violence and mental health issues regionally. The comments from the attacker's mother, who described her son as having "an emotionally unstable personality" and having been previously admitted to psychiatric care, only compounded fears over mental health resources and their availability for youths.
"I begged the doctor not to discharge him because he is not fit to be out," the attacker’s mother was quoted as saying, bringing attention to the pressing issue of mental health care accessibility. This incident has sparked intense conversations within Croatian media about violence, mental health, and societal attitudes toward school safety.
Local media highlighted the emotional distress experienced by students and staff, with many reportedly left "in shock" and some needing psychological help after witnessing the tragic events. The city's authorities announced plans to provide counseling for students, parents, and school staff grappling with the aftermath of the incident. The mayor committed to ensuring affected individuals receive the necessary support, stating, "The city will help provide psychological assistance to students and parents. This is a great tragedy for the City of Zagreb and for all of Croatia."
The director of Prečko Elementary School refrained from issuing an official statement at the moment but requested public compassion as the school navigates through this distressing time. Reports suggest measures are being considered to increase security and address mental health concerns, aiming to prevent such occurrences from happening again.
This shocking event has forced the Croatian public and leadership to confront the uncomfortable reality of violence within educational institutions. With officials emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff, the community now faces the challenging task of healing and addressing the underlying issues of mental health and school security.
The events of December 20th will undoubtedly resonate throughout the nation and impact discussions surrounding safety and mental health within schools, challenging everyone to reflect on the importance of vigilance and compassion.
