Swiss authorities have arrested a man following a knife attack that left three people injured at a busy train station in the city of Winterthur.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning at Winterthur railway station, one of the country’s major transport hubs. Emergency services responded quickly after reports of a man attacking people with a bladed weapon in a public area of the station.
Police confirmed that three Swiss nationals were injured during the attack. The victims, aged 28, 43 and 52, were taken to hospital for treatment. Officials have not released details about the extent of their injuries.
Authorities identified the suspect as a 31-year-old Swiss man. He was arrested shortly after the attack and remains in police custody.
Investigators have launched an inquiry to determine what led to the violence. Police said the motive remains unclear and that officers are examining all available evidence.
The attack caused panic among commuters and pedestrians moving through the station during the morning rush period.
According to local media reports, witnesses described a chaotic scene as people attempted to move away from the attacker.
One witness, who works in a nearby office building, told a local newspaper that he heard a man shouting before the attack unfolded. The witness said the suspect allegedly yelled “Allahu Akbar” shortly before targeting individuals with a knife.
Authorities have not confirmed the witness account and have not indicated whether the incident was linked to any ideological or extremist motive.
Another witness, a taxi driver working near the station, told Swiss media that he saw a man moving through an underpass area while attacking people.
The reports have become part of the ongoing investigation as detectives seek to establish a complete timeline of events.
Local media also reported that a group of schoolchildren happened to be passing through the area when the attack occurred.
According to eyewitness accounts, a teacher quickly positioned himself between the children and the attacker in an effort to protect the students from danger.
The reported action drew praise from members of the public as details of the incident emerged.
Photographs published by several Swiss news organisations showed a large police presence around the station after the attack.
Security personnel sealed off sections of the transport hub while forensic teams examined the scene and gathered evidence.
Rail passengers experienced temporary disruptions as authorities secured the area and conducted their investigation.
Winterthur, located northeast of Zurich, is one of Switzerland’s largest cities and serves as an important rail connection for commuters travelling across the country.
Incidents involving violent attacks in public spaces remain relatively rare in Switzerland, making the event particularly concerning for residents and travellers.
Police have urged the public not to speculate about the motive while the investigation continues.
Officials said they are reviewing witness statements, surveillance footage and other evidence collected at the scene.
Authorities have not announced whether additional charges will be filed against the suspect.
The case remains under active investigation as police work to determine the circumstances that led to the attack.
For now, attention remains focused on the recovery of the victims and the findings of investigators seeking answers about what triggered the violence at one of Switzerland’s busiest transport centres.
