7-year-old boy killed in stabbing attack at Croatian elementary school. Read about the tragic attack at Preko Elementary School, the aftermath, and the urgent calls for mental health support and school safety improvements.
A devastating tragedy unfolded in Zagreb, Croatia, when a 19-year-old former student attacked a first grade classroom at Preko primary school, killing a seven-year-old child and injuring several others. This rare and shocking act of violence has shaken the entire country, drawing global attention to the safety of schools and the mental health challenges faced by individuals.
The Horrific Incident at Prečko Elementary School – Tragedy in Elementary Education
Panic erupted at Preko primary school in Zagreb, Croatia on Friday morning when the attacker barged into the school armed with a knife. Targeting a first grade classroom, he fatally stabbed a seven-year-old girl and injured three other children and their teacher. Witnesses reported chaos as students and staff fled to safety.
The teacher, who courageously attempted to save her students, suffered life-changing injuries and is currently in a critical condition. Emergency services, including medical helicopters, swiftly evacuated the injured to hospitals across the city. Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic confirmed that all three injured children are now out of danger.
Attacker’s background and mental health history
The 19-year-old suspect, identified as a former student of the school, reportedly struggled with severe mental health issues. His mother revealed that he had been admitted to psychiatric care multiple times and expressed regret that he had been discharged prematurely.
“I begged the doctors not to release him because he was not stable,” the attacker’s mother shared, reflecting on his past behaviors and warning signs. Authorities later detained the suspect near the scene, where he had inflicted self-harm and locked himself inside a nearby building.
Community and National Response
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Croatia, a nation where school attacks are almost unheard of. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed his horror, announcing a national day of mourning to honor the victims and stand in solidarity with their families.
President Zoran Milanović called for unity and urged immediate measures to ensure that schools remain safe havens for children. “There are no words to describe the grief over this unthinkable tragedy,” he said, emphasizing the importance of supporting the affected families and the community at large.
Witness accounts paint a horrific picture
Parents and witnesses described the harrowing scenes as they searched for their children in the chaos.
“It’s disastrous that no one could provide information about my child’s safety,” said Marko Palada, a distraught parent who rushed to the school after hearing about the attack.
Videos shared on social media captured children running across the school’s sports field, while emergency responders and police secured the area. Forensic teams worked late into the evening to investigate the crime scene.
Addressing mental health and school safety
This tragic event has sparked urgent discussions about mental health care and the measures needed to prevent such incidents. While Croatia and the Balkan region have largely been spared from school-related violence, experts stress the importance of addressing early warning signs and providing comprehensive mental health support.
Interior Minister Davor Božinović highlighted the swift action of police, who subdued the attacker within ten minutes of the initial emergency call. However, questions remain about how the attacker’s mental health struggles were managed and whether interventions could have prevented this tragedy.
Global attention on primary school safety
The tragedy at Preko primary school has attracted international concern, with educators and policymakers examining safety protocols in schools. In an era where acts of violence in educational settings are on the rise globally, ensuring the well-being of students and staff is a top priority.
While Croatia mourns the loss of a young life, the country’s leaders and citizens are rallying together to support those affected and ensure that an incident like this never happens again.
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