Mass Stabbing Incident at Japanese Factory Leaves 14 Injured

A violent incident at a tyre factory in Mishima, Japan, resulted in injuries to at least fourteen individuals on Friday afternoon. Local officials reported that a man allegedly attacked workers with a knife and sprayed them with a chemical substance.

Emergency services received a call around 4:30 PM local time (0730 GMT) from the Yokohama Rubber Company factory, where workers reported that five or six people had been stabbed and a 'spray-like liquid' was used. Tomoharu Sugiyama, a representative from the firefighting department, confirmed that fourteen people were being transported to hospitals.

The suspect, a 38-year-old man, has been taken into custody and is facing charges of attempted murder, according to reports from the Shizuoka prefectural police. Investigators noted that the attacker was armed with a survival knife and appeared to be wearing a gas mask during the assault. It is believed that he acted alone, although authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack.

As of the latest updates, five of the stabbing victims are reported to be in serious condition, but all remain conscious. The exact nature of the chemical substance sprayed remains unclear.

The Yokohama Rubber Company, the owner of the factory, produces tyres for various vehicles, including trucks and buses. This incident has raised alarms in a country known for its low rates of violent crime and strict gun control laws.

Historically, Japan has experienced sporadic instances of violence, including stabbings and shootings. Notably, the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022 shocked the nation. In a separate case, a man was sentenced to death earlier this year for a violent spree that resulted in multiple fatalities, including two police officers.

Public reaction has been one of disbelief, as local residents express concern over safety in what is typically considered a quiet area. One employee from a nearby business shared her feelings, stating, 'I’m scared, but I’m also shocked that it could have happened in a place like this.'

As investigations continue, authorities are working to establish a clearer picture of the events leading to the attack and the circumstances surrounding the suspect.