Two teenagers were seriously injured in a sword attack at a high school in Fagersta, central Sweden, according to local authorities. The incident occurred just after the start of the new academic year, as students returned from their summer break. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where an attacker wielding a sword had entered the premises of Brinellskolan, wounding several individuals before being apprehended by police. The regional healthcare director, Jonas Cederberg, confirmed that two boys aged between 12 and 17 were hospitalized with severe injuries. One of the victims was undergoing emergency surgery, while both remained in stable condition. A third individual, whose injuries were still under evaluation, was being transported to a medical facility. The exact number of casualties was not disclosed publicly, although the local authority noted that police were conducting a search within the school grounds. According to the Fagersta municipality, the attacker had been detained by law enforcement shortly after the incident. Police received initial reports of the attack around 2pm local time, approximately one hour after the school day began. Students remained inside the building under lockdown for over three hours, as per a report from SVT, a public broadcaster stationed at the scene. The lockdown was eventually lifted, though the local authority delayed a scheduled news conference until later in the afternoon, citing ongoing operations. The local government did not provide specifics regarding the number of people injured, stating only that additional schools in the vicinity had been placed under lockdown as a precaution. Images shared by SVT depicted numerous ambulances, police vehicles, and even a helicopter responding to the situation. The school, which serves roughly 450 students in a town of about 12,000 residents, has previously faced security concerns. In May, students were sent home due to a credible threat against the institution. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson issued a written statement condemning the incident, calling it a “serious incident” that took place shortly after the summer holidays. He acknowledged the injuries sustained and emphasized that the motive behind the attack was not yet known. However, he assured the public that police were actively investigating the case. Opposition leader Magdalena Andersson expressed solidarity with the community, describing the event as “terrible news.” She called for national support for Fagerstra during this challenging period, noting that such acts of violence have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate location. This latest incident follows a history of violent episodes at educational institutions in Sweden. In February 2025, a 35-year-old man committed a mass shooting at an adult education center in Orebro, killing ten people. That attack was attributed to the perpetrator’s mental health struggles and financial difficulties. Earlier, in March 2022, an 18-year-old student stabbed two teachers to death at a secondary school in Malmo. And in October 2015, a racially motivated attack resulted in three fatalities at a school in Trollhattan, where the assailant was ultimately killed by police. Authorities continue to investigate the current case, with no official statements yet released regarding the identity or motives of the suspect. The attacker, according to Aftonbladet, was identified as an 18-year-old former student of the school, and was reportedly shot in the leg by police during the confrontation. As the investigation unfolds, officials remain focused on ensuring the safety of students and staff in the region.
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