Girl, 14, injures 6 in classroom hammer rampage during algebra lesson | World | News

A schoolgirl carried out a horror arson and hammer attack during an algebra lesson in Russia, injuring five students and a teacher.  The girl, 14, reportedly threw a flammable liquid into the classroom, igniting a fire that spread to walls, blinds and desks. 

Reports claim that as pupils tried to escape, she positioned herself near the doorway and hit those attempting to get out with a hammer. The girl — identified in Russian media as Vlada — has been taken into custody, and both she and her mother are being interviewed by authorities. Subsequent information indicated that a teacher was also injured, raising the number of people hurt to six.

Those affected are said to have suffered burn‑related and head injuries. One student has extensive burns affecting about half of his body and remains in a serious condition.

The Russian Health Ministry says another girl with a head injury is in critical condition and is being flown to Moscow for treatment.

Several news organisations report that the suspect had indicated her plans beforehand. Media outlets say she shared messages in a school group chat mentioning an arson attempt and even created a poll asking which teacher should be targeted.

Students described the attacker as quiet and withdrawn. Media reports claim she was mocked by classmates, including being called a “hikikomori” — a term for people who are socially isolated — and bullied over her appearance. School administrators denied the existence of bullying.

According to BAZA media outlet, the school had earlier received an official reprimand for failing to address bullying.

The school was embroiled over an earlier scandal over surveillance cameras installed in toilets.

The incident follows an attack on Tuesday when a teacher was allegedly shot in the eye by a student at a school in Ufa, Russia.

Violent incidents including school attacks appear on the rise in Russia amid Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Ukraine where a war lasting almost four years is underway.