A knife attack at a school in northwestern Slovakia on Tuesday morning resulted in the death of a teacher and injuries to another teacher and a student, authorities reported. The incident took place around 9 a.m. local time in the village of Staskov, near the border with the Czech Republic.

Police detained a 13-year-old boy at the scene, who is currently under investigation for premeditated murder. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stated that the attack occurred shortly after the first class of the day when the student launched the knife assault.

The victim who died was a 61-year-old woman, while a 44-year-old teacher sustained a stab wound to the chest. A schoolgirl was also injured and remains in serious, critical condition, according to Health Minister Kamil Sasko. The Minister later clarified that the injured teacher’s life was not in danger. Emergency service spokesman Petra Klimesova confirmed the hospitalization of both the teacher and the student. Police officials have indicated that the situation in Staskov is now under control.

The incident prompted responses from top Slovak officials. Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed his condolences and indicated that he was closely monitoring the developments. Meanwhile, President Peter Pellegrini described the attack as deeply troubling and noted it as part of a worrying pattern involving students attacking teachers and peers. Pellegrini highlighted concerns over increasing aggression and hostility, which he attributed to influences such as social media and certain political rhetoric, suggesting these factors may be contributing to a toxic atmosphere affecting children’s behavior in schools.

Investigations into the motives and circumstances surrounding the attack are ongoing. Authorities have yet to release additional information on possible triggers or the condition of the detained student. The event has raised concerns nationwide about safety within schools and the broader social environment impacting young people in Slovakia.