Student Goes on Stabbing Rampage at Cheongju High School, Injuring Six Including Principal (Comprehensive)

The assailant jumps into a nearby lakeside park and is rescued
Authorities investigating the circumstances

At a high school in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, a student went on a stabbing rampage, injuring a total of six people, including three who sustained serious injuries.

According to the police and fire authorities, at around 8:41 a.m. on April 28, an incident occurred in a classroom at a high school in Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, where a second-year student, who is classified as a special education student, went on a stabbing spree.

Yonhap News

During the incident, the principal, an environmental staff member, and an administrative officer were stabbed in the chest, abdomen, and back. They were transported to Cheongju Hana Hospital, Cheonan Dankook University Hospital, and other medical facilities for treatment. Another staff member, who was choked by the assailant, showed symptoms of hyperventilation and was also taken to the hospital.

Staff members intervened and managed to take the weapon away from the student, but the student fled the school and ran to a nearby lakeside park. During the escape, a passerby who encountered the student was also injured in the head. Fortunately, all of the injured are reported to be in stable condition with no life-threatening injuries.

The assailant also jumped into the lake at the park but was rescued and transported to the hospital. Although the student was initially reported to be in a special education class, it was later confirmed that the student is a special education recipient but attends a regular class. The details of the incident have not yet been disclosed.

The police reportedly confiscated four weapons, including a utility knife believed to have been used in the attack, from the student's bag. Police are currently investigating the circumstances by questioning school officials. An official from the North Chungcheong Provincial Office of Education stated, "An emergency meeting is currently being held at the school, presided over by the vice principal, and we are also looking into the reasons why the student went on a rampage."