A tragic incident occurred at Prečko Elementary School in Zagreb, Croatia, where a 7-year-old girl lost her life, and several others, including a teacher, were injured in a knife attack.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic confirmed the events in a statement, expressing the horror felt nationwide. He extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy that took place on Friday, December 20.
Authorities reported that a 19-year-old man entered the school around 9:50 a.m. and used a sharp object to attack students and a teacher in a classroom. Following the attack, one student was pronounced dead, while others received medical help. The police detained the attacker and have placed him under surveillance.
Video footage from the scene captured children fleeing the school and a medical helicopter landing nearby.
Croatia’s Health Minister Irena Hrstić shared her shock about the incident, revealing that a total of five individuals were injured, including three children and two adults. Among the injured were two boys, ages 7 and 11, who sustained multiple stab wounds but are now in stable condition.
The minister confirmed that both boys are safe and undergoing further medical assessments. The attacker as well as the teacher were also taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Prime Minister Plenkovic noted that the injured were receiving care at various hospitals throughout the city. He indicated that health officials would be visiting the hospitals to assess the situation and promised to keep the public informed as more information becomes available.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover all details surrounding this upsetting event.
