A shocking stabbing incident at an elementary school in Croatia left a seven-year-old girl dead and several others injured, local authorities reported. The tragic event occurred on Thursday in the small town of Velika Gorica, near the capital Zagreb.
According to police, the attack unfolded during school hours when a man entered the premises armed with a knife. In the ensuing chaos, he fatally stabbed the young girl and injured at least four others, including students and a teacher. Emergency services rushed the victims to a nearby hospital, where they are being treated for their injuries. Two of the wounded are reported to be in critical condition.
The suspect, a 41-year-old man, was apprehended shortly after the attack. Authorities revealed that the attacker has no known connection to the school, and the motive for the attack remains unclear. Local media speculated that he may have a history of mental health issues, though this has not been confirmed by officials.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and called the attack a “horrific tragedy.” He pledged government support for the affected families and called for an urgent review of school security measures.
The incident has sent shockwaves across Croatia, a country where violent crime, especially in schools, is rare. Parents and community members gathered outside the school to mourn the loss and demand stricter measures to ensure student safety.
Police are continuing their investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. Counseling services have been made available for students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.
