What Happened: A 38-year-old man was arrested after stabbing eight people and throwing what authorities believe was bleach at seven others at a Yokohama Rubber Co. tire plant in Mishima.
Injuries: Five of the stabbed victims were reported in serious condition; the others were treated for bleach exposure.
Investigation: The suspect was detained on suspicion of attempted murder. Investigators say he carried a survival knife and appeared to be wearing a gas mask; no motive has been released.
A 38-year-old man was arrested after stabbing eight people and reportedly throwing bleach at seven others at a Yokohama Rubber Co. tire factory in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, west of Tokyo, officials said.
The Fujisan Nanto Fire Department told The Associated Press that eight people who were stabbed were taken to hospitals. Seven additional people were treated for exposure after what authorities believe was bleach was thrown at them during the attack.
Authorities reported that five of the stabbed victims were in serious condition. Hospitals were treating the injured, and no further medical updates were available immediately.
Shizuoka prefectural police identified the suspect as a 38-year-old man who was detained at the factory on suspicion of attempted murder. Investigators, cited by the major Japanese newspaper Asahi, said the suspect carried a survival knife and appeared to be wearing a gas mask. Police have not released a motive and said their investigation at the scene was ongoing.
Japan has strict gun-control laws and relatively low rates of violent crime compared with many countries, but the nation has experienced several high-profile knife attacks in recent years. Authorities continue to probe the circumstances of Friday’s incident and the suspect’s motives.
No further details were immediately available as investigators continued their work at the scene.
