A knife attack occurred at Prečko Elementary School, leaving one student dead and several others injured, according to multiple reports.
The tragic incident unfolded on Friday, December 20, at around 9:50 AM, when a 19-year-old Croatian entered the school and attacked students and staff with a sharp object. The Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "We are horrified, as is the entire Croatian public, by the great tragedy..." on his official X (previously Twitter) account.
Authorities confirmed the death of a 7-year-old girl, and reports indicated there were multiple injuries, including three children and two adults. Irena Hrstić, the Croatian Minister of Health, shared her shock with the media, stating, "We are appalled and shocked by the situation...".
At least five individuals sustained injuries during the attack, with two boys, aged 7 and 11, hospitalized for stab wounds but reported to be stabilized. Iva Hojsak, the acting director of the Clinic for Children's Diseases, reassured the public, "Fortunately, both are out of danger at this time. Their diagnostic process is still on-going...".
Following the attack, emergency services responded quickly, with video footage showing children fleeing the scene and medical helicopters landing on the school grounds. Schools across Zagreb are now on high alert as the community processes this shocking event.
The Prime Minister confirmed the injured were taken to several local hospitals—Zagreb Hospital, Sestre Milosrdnica Hospital, Sveti Duh Hospital, and Klaić Hospital—all of which were prepared to provide immediate care. Plenkovic has pledged updates to the community and mentioned Health Minister Hrstić will visit the hospitals to assess the status of the victims.
While the motivations behind the attack remain unclear, police authorities have detained the alleged attacker and placed him under surveillance. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the circumstances surrounding this horrific assault.
This incident raises concerns about school safety and youth violence, prompting discussions among parents, educators, and lawmakers. Such attacks are rare in Croatia, and the public reaction reflects widespread disbelief and grief over the loss of life.
Students and parents alike are left reeling, questioning how such violence could take place within the sanctity of their educational environment. Local officials are calling for stronger safety measures and resources for mental health support as communities come together to heal from this tragedy.
Schools are now facing additional scrutiny, with calls for tighter security protocols to protect students from potential harm. The incident has sparked debates about addressing both mental health issues among youth and violent behavior, signaling the need for comprehensive preventative strategies.
This tragic event serves as a national call to action, highlighting the importance of protecting children’s safety and emotional well-being. Community members are encouraged to come forward with any relevant information to aid the investigation.
