At a Glance
- Eight people stabbed and seven injured by bleach at a Yokohama Rubber Co. factory in Mishima, Japan.
- 38-year-old former employee arrested for attempted murder.
- Incident highlights rare but serious knife attacks in Japan.
- Why it matters: The attack underscores that even with strict gun laws, violent incidents can still occur, affecting workplace safety and public perception.
A violent incident unfolded Friday at a tire factory in Mishima, west of Tokyo, when a man allegedly used a knife and bleach to attack coworkers. The attacker, a 38-year-old former employee, was arrested by Shizuoka prefectural police for attempted murder. Eight workers were hospitalized, with five in serious condition, while seven others received treatment for bleach exposure.
The Attack
The assault took place at Yokohama Rubber Co.’s plant, where the suspect wielded a survival knife and wore a gas mask. He stabbed eight employees and threw bleach at seven others, according to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department.
Police Response
Shizuoka prefectural police detained the attacker on charges of attempted murder. The suspect is believed to have been a former factory employee, as reported by Kyodo news agency. No motive has yet been disclosed.
- Eight people stabbed; five in serious condition.
- Seven others injured by bleach; all transported to hospitals.
- All victims conscious during transport.
Key Takeaways
- Attack involved knife and bleach at a tire factory in Mishima.
- 38-year-old former employee arrested for attempted murder.
- Japan’s strict gun laws do not prevent all workplace violence.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that workplace safety remains a critical concern, even in countries with rigorous gun control measures.
