One child dead and several injured after attack at Zagreb school

(Photo: Suradnik13/CC BY-SA 4.0)

ZAGREB, 20 December 2024 – A shocking and tragic event unfolded this morning at Prečko Primary School in the Croatian capital Zagreb, leaving one child dead and several injured.

Police have released a statement detailing the tragic attack that occurred this morning.

“Today, 20 December, at approximately 9:50 am, a 19-year-old Croatian national injured a teacher and several students with a sharp object at an educational institution in the Prečko area. The attacker is in police custody. Medical assistance is being provided to the injured. One child has died as a result of their injuries,” the police announced in their statement.

“The target of the attack was the first-grade teacher, who is in a life-threatening condition, according to Sveti Duh Hospital. Eight people were injured in the attacked, daily Vecernji list reported. 

Minister of Police Davor Božinović confirmed that police subdued the attacker within 10 minutes of the first report. The 19-year-old had inflicted injuries on himself with the same knife used in the attack and attempted to hide in a nearby health centre.

Officers successfully prevented him from committing suicide. N1 reported that the attacker was a former pupil of the school and lived in the area.

The attacker has a history of mental health issues and was previously documented for a suicide attempt about a year ago. “It is difficult to say this is a mentally stable individual, given that he also tried to take his own life today,” Božinović added.

Incident Spread Beyond the Classroom

While the initial target was a first-grade teacher, Božinović clarified that much of the incident occurred in the school hallways rather than a single classroom. 

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “We are shocked, as is the entire Croatian public, by this great tragedy at Prečko Primary School. Relevant ministers, police, and all services are working to determine the exact circumstances. We extend our condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims.”

Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević also visited the site and conveyed his condolences, describing the event as “a great tragedy for the City of Zagreb and the whole of Croatia.” The city will provide psychological support to students, parents, and school staff to help them cope with the aftermath.

Further updates are expected as more details emerge.