At the Japanese Yokohama plant, a stabbing attack occurred

Japanese police have arrested a former employee of the Yokohama tire plant in Mishima (Shizuoka), who is accused of attacking his former colleagues with a knife and a spray can of toxic liquid, allegedly bleach, on December 26, resulting in 15 people aged 20 to 60 being injured and hospitalized.

Media reports that the attack occurred at around 16:30 local time during a shift change at the plant, and the suspect first sprayed workers with toxic liquid, causing seven people to suffer burns and breathing difficulties. After that, panic began, and the former employee pulled out a 20-centimeter knife and began attacking fleeing people. Eight people were injured, most of whom suffered stab wounds to the abdomen and back.

Masaki Oyama, 38, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and told police that he was bullied while working at the plant. The police described Oyama's actions as "cruel and intentional", and it is believed that he acted alone. Before the police arrived, the attacker was apprehended and detained by plant workers.

It is reported that five people are in critical condition and have been placed in the intensive care unit.

After the incident, Yokohama issued a statement saying that "we pray for the complete and speedy recovery of all the injured and will fully cooperate with the investigation".

The media notes that Japan is known for one of the best public safety systems in the world and strict gun control, but knife attacks have increased in recent times, and the incident at the Yokohama plant "has again raised serious concerns in Japanese society about gaps in the security system of enterprises".

The Mishima plant produces passenger and light truck tires, and has a staff of around 1,000 people.

Photo: Yuichi Yamazaki / AFP - Getty Images