At least 14 people were injured on Friday following a violent stabbing spree at a manufacturing facility in central Japan. The attack, which also involved the use of an unidentified "spray-like liquid," took place at the Yokohama Rubber Mishima Plant in the Shizuoka prefecture, west of Tokyo.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred today around 4:30 PM local time (0730 GMT). Emergency services received a frantic call from the factory stating that a man armed with a knife was attacking staff members.
According to Tomoharu Sugiyama, an official from the Mishima firefighting department, a total of 14 individuals required emergency transportation to nearby hospitals. While earlier reports from Kyodo News suggested eight people were hospitalized, the official count from emergency responders confirmed 14 victims were affected by the dual nature of the attack.
The Attack: Knives and Unknown Chemicals
Witnesses reported that the assailant used a bladed weapon to stab several employees before scattering an "unspecified liquid" at the site.
- Physical Injuries: Five to six people were reportedly stabbed directly.
- Liquid Exposure: The remaining victims were treated for exposure to the spray-like substance, though the chemical composition of the liquid has not yet been identified by authorities.
Suspect in Custody
The suspected attacker was apprehended at the factory premises by security and law enforcement shortly after the violence began. The police have confirmed that the suspect is in custody, though his identity and motive remain under investigation.
Security and Safety in Japan
While Japan is known for its low crime rates, it has seen occasional high-profile mass stabbings in recent years, often targeting workplaces or public transport. This latest incident has sent shockwaves through the quiet industrial city of Mishima.
The Yokohama Rubber Company, which operates the plant, has not yet released a formal statement regarding the condition of its employees. Police and forensic teams remain on-site to analyze the unidentified liquid and determine the sequence of events.
