At least 15 Injured During Mass Stabbing and Chemical Attack in Rubber Factory

A violent attack inside a tire factory in central Japan left at least 15 people hospitalized after a man allegedly stabbed multiple workers and splashed others with bleach, authorities said.

The incident unfolded at a facility operated by Yokohama Rubber Co. in the city of Mishima, west of Tokyo. Emergency officials said eight people were stabbed and seven others were injured after being hit with a bleach-like liquid.

Five of the stabbing victims were reported to be in serious condition, according to the local fire department. Officials did not immediately release further details about the victims’ injuries.

Police said a 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder. Investigators told local media that the suspect was carrying a survival-style knife and appeared to be wearing a gas mask during the attack. Authorities believe the suspect had some connection to the factory.

Emergency crews received the first distress call around 4:30 p.m., reporting that multiple people had been stabbed and that a “spray-like liquid” had been used. A large number of ambulances and fire trucks were dispatched to the site as workers were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Aerial footage from Japanese broadcaster NHK showed emergency vehicles surrounding the factory while first responders moved quickly to treat victims.

The plant, located about 1.5 miles southeast of Mishima Station, produces passenger car tires and employs hundreds of workers, according to company information.

Japan is known for strict gun control laws and comparatively low rates of violent crime, but the country has seen several high-profile knife attacks in recent years, making incidents like this especially shocking.

Police said the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine a motive and whether any safety protocols were violated during the attack.