A shopping trip turned into a nightmare after a woman was killed and five others injured in a knife attack inside a shopping mall in Krasnodar, southern Russia, on Saturday.
The violent incident unfolded at the West Mall complex, where the suspect allegedly launched a stabbing spree before detonating a homemade explosive device, triggering panic among shoppers and staff.
Witnesses said chaos erupted throughout the mall as frightened visitors scrambled for safety, with some fleeing through exits while others hid inside back offices. Several shoppers reported seeing a man dressed in black running through the building moments before screams echoed from inside the complex.
A 41-year-old mother-of-two was fatally stabbed during the attack. Five other adults sustained injuries, including a pregnant woman and a security guard who was wounded while attempting to stop the suspect. Some victims were also reportedly struck by shrapnel following the explosion.
One witness described seeing large amounts of blood at the scene as terrified members of the public rushed to escape. Another said the suspect was carrying what appeared to be a large machete and was moving through the shopping centre while attacking victims.
Authorities said members of the public played a crucial role in bringing the violence to an end. Several shoppers chased and restrained the suspect before police arrived, tying his hands behind his back using a belt. Among those involved was a father who left his family in a safe area before helping to pursue the attacker.
According to reports, the suspect shouted that he was seeking revenge after allegedly being bullied throughout his life. During initial questioning by police, he denied being paid to carry out the attack and reportedly claimed he was simply “tired of life”.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as the entire shopping centre was evacuated. Some employees later revealed they remained hidden inside back rooms for several hours before being escorted out by police.
Authorities believe the suspect acted alone, although investigations remain ongoing to establish the motive behind the attack. Police have launched a murder probe and confirmed the suspect will undergo psychiatric evaluation as part of the investigation.
The shocking incident has once again raised concerns about public safety in crowded spaces, with investigators continuing efforts to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly attack.
