Singapore, 10 December 2024: A man has been arrested following a knife attack at Quan Long Nippon Paint hardware store in Hougang, leaving a female employee gravely injured and the store manager with cut wounds.
The incident occurred at Block 210, Hougang Street 21, near Kovan Market and Food Centre, at about 11am.
As reported by Lianhe Zaobao, witnesses described hearing a loud argument between the attacker, reportedly a deliveryman and former employee of the store, and the female staff member before violence broke out.
According to accounts, the man, believed to be in his 20s and from China, brandished a knife in front of shoppers.
The store manager intervened but sustained injuries during the struggle.
The female employee attempted to flee but was cornered and stabbed multiple times, with cuts concentrated on her back.
One eyewitness told Lianhe Zaobao that the man appeared agitated and attacked in full view of onlookers, sparking panic and screams.
Another male employee’s attempt to intervene left him injured. Witnesses said staff and customers from neighbouring stores sought shelter during the commotion.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, and paramedics attended to the three injured individuals.
At least two victims were reportedly transported to Changi General Hospital, while the suspect was taken to Sengkang General Hospital under police escort.
Police cordoned off the scene, securing the hardware store and adjacent businesses.
Officers also conducted on-site investigations into the incident, which sent shockwaves through the normally bustling area.
A department store worker in her 60s recounted hearing an argument followed by screams: “People told us to hide because a man had a knife. We stayed inside the shop until the police came.”
The suspect is now in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
