Slovak eighth-grader attacks teachers, one woman killed

An eighth-grader attacked a classmate and two teachers at a school in Slovakia. Police say they are investigating the incident as a serious violent crime. A 61-year-old teacher died from her injuries, while two other victims — a child and a 44-year-old woman — suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized.

Helicopters airlift victims to hospitals

Two ambulance crews and two medical helicopters were dispatched to the scene. According to rescue service spokesperson Petra Klimešová, air medics flew the child, who was in critical condition, to a hospital in Martin. After receiving first aid at the scene, a 44-year-old patient with a stab wound to the chest was also airlifted to a hospital in Žilina. According to Klimešová, the 61-year-old woman's injuries proved fatal.

It later emerged that the woman who died was a teacher at the school. Police said the situation is under control and there is currently no immediate danger to anyone.

Who attacked the classmate and teachers

According to available information, the attacker is an eighth-grade student raised by his grandparents. Why the teenager attacked his classmate and two teachers remains unclear. Details of how long the attack lasted and what weapon the student used have not been disclosed.

Slovak authorities call it an alarming signal

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, Health Minister Kamil Šaško and Education Minister Tomáš Drucker traveled to the scene. “I'm thinking of the victims, their loved ones, and the children and staff at the school. We are providing the school with all the help and support it needs,” Drucker wrote on social media.

Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini also commented on the tragedy. “We can see that the aggression and climate of intolerance spread above all by social media, and at times by some politicians, is literally poisoning public space and affecting how our children behave at school. This is yet another serious warning for all of us to carefully weigh the words and actions that fuel a toxic, aggressive atmosphere in society,” the president said.

Slovak Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka also responded on social media: “This is an urgent call to the whole of society — not to remain indifferent to displays of violence, hatred and growing aggression.”

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz