At least 14 people were injured in a violent incident at a factory in central Japan on Friday afternoon, after a suspected attacker carried out a stabbing and liquid spray attack at the Yokohama Rubber Mishima Plant in Mishima City, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Authorities have confirmed that the suspected attacker has been taken into custody, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the motive and sequence of events.
According to local media reports, the incident occurred at around 4:30 pm local time. A company official from the Yokohama Rubber Mishima Plant stated that five to six people were stabbed with a bladed weapon. In addition to the stabbing, a spray-like liquid was reportedly dispersed at the site, raising further concern among workers and emergency responders.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple distress calls. Public broadcaster NHK, citing police and fire department officials, reported that at least 14 people were transported to hospitals for medical treatment. The exact condition and severity of injuries of the victims had not been immediately confirmed at the time of reporting.
Speaking to AFP, a firefighting department official from Mishima City, Tomoharu Sugiyama, confirmed the scale of the emergency response, stating that “fourteen people are subject to transportation by emergency services.” Firefighters, police units, and medical teams coordinated efforts to secure the area, assist the injured, and ensure there was no further threat to public safety.
Police officials have stated that the suspect was swiftly detained at the scene. While no additional suspects are believed to be involved at this stage, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. This includes examining how the suspect entered the facility, the nature of the liquid sprayed, and whether the incident was targeted or random. The attack has sparked concern across the region, as violent incidents of this nature are relatively rare in Japan, a country known for its strict weapon laws and low crime rates. Officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing danger, while urging calm as more information becomes available.
