A fatal knife attack occurred in the Austrian city of Villach on Saturday afternoon. A 23-year-old Syrian man attacked passersby and injured five people, including a 14-year-old who succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A food delivery driver brought the attack to an end by ramming the perpetrator with his vehicle.
The attack took place around 4 pm near the Drava Bridge. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the attacker randomly stabbed at passersby. Police responded with a large deployment, including special units from the Cobra Command and a police helicopter.
The suspected perpetrator was apprehended after the attack and the motives behind the incident remain unclear as the investigation is ongoing. The police are examining the possibility of a terrorist background or whether it was a single, isolated incident.
A food delivery driver, who witnessed the attack, reacted swiftly and drove the attacker down, apparently preventing further attacks. The driver was not injured in the process.
In response to the severity of the incident, the city of Villach has convened a crisis team for the evening and the public is being asked to assist, particularly in providing tips on potential further perpetrators or suspicious observations.
The city of Villach is reeling in the aftermath of this tragic event.