A stabbing attack at an O’Key supermarket in St. Petersburg has left at least four people hospitalized, according to Russian media reports on Friday.
Eyewitnesses told the local news outlet Fontanka that an “aggressive man” began the attack by throwing champagne bottles at shoppers inside the store. He then reportedly grabbed a knife from a display window and proceeded to chase down and stab a woman in the chest.
“We all dropped everything and ran away to hide from him,” one eyewitness recounted to Fontanka.
Video footage from the scene showed store employees urgently calling for first aid kits as they attempted to assist an injured person.
Fontanka later reported that the suspected attacker, identified as a 44-year-old man, had been arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Initial reports indicated that two victims, a security guard and a female shopper, were hospitalized, while four others managed to escape serious injury. However, Fontanka subsequently reported that three of the victims were in serious condition.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time, and authorities have not released any further details about the suspect or the condition of the victims.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many expressing concern for the safety of shoppers and staff at the supermarket. The O’Key chain has not yet released an official statement regarding the attack.
themoscowtimes.com
