A teacher has died and two people were injured after a Year 9 pupil allegedly attacked people with a sharp object at a school in Staškov, northern Slovakia.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at a school in the village, which lies close to the border with the Czech Republic. Slovak broadcaster TV JOJ reported that two people were injured at the scene, while one teacher died from her injuries.
Emergency response and casualties
Petra Klimešová, a spokesperson for the Emergency Medical Service Operations Center, confirmed: "We can confirm that we have sent two ground ambulances and two rescue helicopters to the scene. The intervention is ongoing."
She added: "Air rescuers transported a child in critical condition to the hospital in Martin. After initial treatment, a 44-year-old patient with a stab wound to the chest was airlifted to the hospital in Žilina. Unfortunately, the 61-year-old woman suffered injuries incompatible with life."
Political reaction
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he was "deeply saddened" by the "tragic" incident and that he was following it "with great concern". In a statement on social media, he said: "Schools must be a safe place for our children, otherwise we will have no future."
Fico offered his condolences to the family of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery, adding that the relevant ministers were on their way to the scene. President Peter Pellegrini also expressed his sympathy in a video message on social media, saying: "My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the tragically deceased teacher, and I extend my sincere condolences to them."
