A tragic attack at OŠ Prečko, a primary school located in the Prečko neighborhood of Zagreb, has left one child dead and several others injured, sending shockwaves through the community. The unsettling event occurred on Friday morning when a 19-year-old former student entered the school premises and carried out the violent assault.
The attacker reportedly used a knife, injuring five individuals including students and their teacher. Sadly, one seven-year-old child succumbed to their injuries as the police quickly intervened, preventing the assailant from taking his own life amid the chaos. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as harrowing, with teachers and staff rushing to secure the safety of their students.
According to reports from 24sata, the mother of the attacker expressed distress and confusion, stating, "He has emotional instability, along with two additional diagnoses, and he cut himself and everything." It’s clear from her reflections on previous incidents involving her son, including episodes of confinement within their home where he took away their mobile phones and keys, and multiple visits to psychiatric facilities, there were underlying issues complicity to this tragic outcome.
Her fears escalated recently, as she pleaded with doctors not to release him again, stating, "We have spent nights sleeping with fear, doing everything we could to save this child. I don’t know why he did it as he previously attended this school five years ago." The familial strain surrounding the attacker highlights the complex interplay between mental health struggles and the responsibility of care systems.
Minister of Internal Affairs Davor Božinović confirmed the attacker's previous record with mental disorders, noting, "Even before some year ago there was an attempt at suicide, so this fact today says it's hard to say the person was mentally balanced." His comments reflect the concerns of many about how mental health issues are managed and treated, especially within vulnerable populations like young adults.
Compounding the tragedy was the status of the injured teacher. The 62-year-old, who dedicated 18 years of her life teaching at OŠ Prečko, was severely hurt as she attempted to protect her students from the assailant. Reports from Jutarnji indicate she is currently undergoing intensive treatment but remains critically injured. Colleagues describe her as “super nice, calm, and composed.” Those familiar with her say her last generation of students before retirement will carry this haunting memory forever.
While the community mourns, some artists have responded creatively to the tragedy. Midhat Kapetanović, notable for his emotionally charged illustrations, addressed the grim event through social media. With poignant imagery depicting characters of unity, he poignantly stated, “I will try anger, because I have no other option.” His works resonate strongly, capturing the collective grief and confusion felt by many as they attempt to articulate their feelings surrounding the devastating loss of innocence.
The Croatian health ministry has since launched health inspections at the psychiatric facility where the attacker was treated, striving to answer pressing questions about mental health protocols and the safety measures in place for individuals with troubled backgrounds. The call for reflections on mental health, especially as it pertains to incidents of violence, has become louder following this devastating episode.
Eye-witness testimonies, police reports, and mental health evaluations continue to shape the narrative as more details emerge about this tragic morning. The circumstances surrounding the event are still under investigation as authorities collect video surveillance and conduct interviews with witnesses. This moment serves as both a deeply personal tragedy for many families and as a civic responsibility probe for policymakers and healthcare professionals.
Events like this compel communities to reflect on the importance of recognizing and treating mental health challenges before they escalate to disastrous outcomes. Moving forward, the hope is for proactive dialogues and prevention efforts to tackle the root causes of such tragedies.
While the echoes of screams fade, the memories of loss and courage during the attack will forever linger within the walls of OŠ Prečko and the hearts of the families affected. Only time will tell how the community rebuilds itself from such unspeakable sorrow.
