(Osaka, May 2) — A car intentionally drove into a crowd near an elementary school in Nishinari Ward, Osaka, on May 1, injuring seven children. The driver was arrested by police on suspicion of attempted murder, and authorities are investigating the motive behind the incident.
The incident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. local time, when the car rammed into elementary school students on their way home. Police later detained the 28-year-old driver, Yuki Yazawa.
The injured children were taken to the hospital for treatment. Six sustained minor injuries, while a 7-year-old girl was seriously injured. However, all seven were reported to be conscious.
Police stated that Yazawa, who is unemployed and from Higashimurayama City in Tokyo, admitted to committing the crime during questioning.
According to the authorities, Yazawa expressed feelings of "being fed up with everything" and said that he intentionally drove into the students in an attempt to cause casualties.
Eyewitnesses reported that the car “zigzagged” as it struck the children. One witness described seeing a girl “covered in blood” and noted that other children appeared to have abrasions.
The driver, who was wearing a medical mask, was reportedly dragged out of the car by school staff. Witnesses said Yazawa "looked frightened" after being removed from the vehicle.