Doctor dies after being stabbed in Krakow hospital
An orthopedist has died after being repeatedly stabbed by a 35-year-old man at the University Hospital in Krakow, southern Poland, the health ministry reported on Tuesday.
An incident occurred earlier the same day when the attacker forced his way into the doctor's office during an ongoing consultation, stabbing him several times and leaving the victim in a serious condition. Piotr Szpiech, spokesperson for the Krakow City Police, told reporters that the attacker held a grudge against the doctor and had argued with him prior to the attack.
"We had a patient who was dissatisfied with his treatment," said Marcin Jedrychowski, director of the University Hospital in Krakow, on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, he made the worst possible decision, which was to take matters into his own hands, something that cannot be rationally explained for this type of action, for this type of tragedy," the hospital director said.
Later on Tuesday, President Andrzej Duda offered his condolences to the family of the doctor, who was fatally attacked. It is difficult to find words to express sorrow over this incomprehensible tragedy, said the president.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, also on Tuesday, expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy that occurred at the hospital. "My deepest sympathies to the family. We are all with you today," Tusk wrote on the X platform.
The District Prosecutor's Office in Krakow is currently overseeing the investigation into the knife attack. A formal inquiry could begin as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Furthermore, measures concerning the attacker are expected to take place on Wednesday, according to Oliwia Bozek-Michalec, the spokesperson for the District Prosecutor's Office.
After the assault, the 35-year-old attempted to flee the facility but was apprehended by hospital security. The police were called, and the assailant was taken into custody.
"There are no words to express my grief and anger following the doctor's death at the University Hospital in Krakow, after the brutal stabbing attack," Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna wrote on X on Tuesday. "I extend my deepest condolences to the doctor's family and colleagues."
The official described any aggression against those saving lives as "savagery," adding that anyone responsible for such actions deserves the highest level of punishment. (PAP)
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