A shocking stabbing spree at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in eastern China left eight people dead and 17 others injured on Saturday evening. The suspect, a 21-year-old former student who failed to graduate this year, has been arrested. Local police confirmed the grim toll and stated that the individual confessed to committing the attack out of anger.

Details of the Incident

The attack occurred in the city of Yixing, Jiangsu province, where the vocational institute is located. Authorities report that the suspect returned to the campus to "express his anger" over his academic failure. Emergency services were fully mobilized to treat the wounded and offer support to those affected.

The motive, according to preliminary investigations, stemmed from the suspect’s dissatisfaction with his circumstances after failing to complete his studies. The suspect, identified only by his surname, confessed to the killings during police interrogation.

Recent Wave of Violent Incidents

This tragic incident comes just days after a hit-and-run in Zhuhai, southern China, claimed 35 lives and injured 43 others. In that case, a 62-year-old driver rammed his vehicle into a crowd outside a sports center, reportedly due to grievances related to a divorce.

China, known for its strict control of firearms, has seen a rise in knife attacks in recent years. However, incidents with such high death tolls remain rare.

• In October, a man killed three people and injured 15 others in a knife attack at a Shanghai supermarket.
• In September, a Japanese schoolboy was fatally stabbed in Shenzhen, near Hong Kong.

Response from Authorities

In Wuxi, authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the attacker's background and motives. Security measures have been heightened, and emergency services remain active to ensure the recovery of the injured.

Growing Concern Over Public Safety

The back-to-back tragedies in Wuxi and Zhuhai have raised alarms about public safety in urban areas. While violent crimes involving firearms are rare in China, the rising number of knife attacks highlights a need for enhanced security and mental health resources.

As investigations continue, these incidents underscore the challenges of addressing grievances and ensuring the safety of communities in rapidly urbanizing regions of China.