A tragic incident at an elementary school in Daejeon, South Korea, has left the community in shock after a teacher allegedly stabbed a seven-year-old girl during an afterschool care program. The girl, who was critically injured, was discovered by her grandmother and later succumbed to her wounds in the hospital.
The stabbing occurred on Monday, and the female teacher, reported to be in her 40s, has admitted to the act. Authorities have stated that the teacher is currently receiving treatment for self-inflicted injuries at a local hospital. As of now, she has not been arrested, as the police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed condolences during a cabinet meeting and called for a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities. This incident has raised significant alarm across the nation, prompting discussions about safety in schools and the well-being of both students and staff.
The teacher had recently returned to work after taking leave for health reasons and has a history of treatment for depression dating back to 2018. While the victim was a student at the same school, police have yet to determine the nature of the relationship between her and the teacher.
Local officials reported that the girl was found with severe stab wounds to her neck and face, highlighting the severity of the incident. The Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education has been involved in the response to this tragic event, which has left many in the community searching for answers and grappling with the loss of a young life.