15 Injured in Stabbing and Chemical Attack at Yokohama Tire Factory
MISHIMA, Japan — Fifteen people were injured Friday in a harrowing stabbing spree combined with a chemical attack at the Yokohama Rubber Co. tire factory in central Japan. Authorities arrested a 38-year-old man, believed to be a former employee, who allegedly stabbed eight individuals and sprayed seven others with a chemical substance thought to be bleach. The incident unfolded at the factory located in Mishima, west of Tokyo, leaving several victims in serious condition and prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
The attack began when the suspect, reportedly carrying a survival knife and wearing a gas mask, entered the facility and began stabbing workers. According to the National Police Agency of Japan, five of the stabbing victims were in serious condition at local hospitals, while all victims remained conscious during transport. The chemical attack, involving the spraying of bleach, added to the chaos and injuries, with seven others hospitalized due to exposure.
Investigators from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that first responders swiftly arrived on the scene, providing urgent medical care and securing the area. Video footage from the scene showed emergency personnel swarming the factory grounds, working to evacuate and treat the injured.
While the motive behind the assault remains unclear, early reports from the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan suggest the suspect had prior employment ties to the factory. Police have charged the man with attempted murder and are conducting further investigations to determine the circumstances leading to the violent outburst.
The attack has raised concerns about workplace safety and security protocols in industrial settings across Japan. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is expected to review safety measures following the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This tragic event comes amid ongoing global discussions about workplace violence and chemical safety standards. Authorities continue to monitor the condition of the injured and provide support to the victims’ families as the investigation progresses.
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