Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind a violent incident at a Yokohama Rubber Company factory in Mishima, Shizuoka prefecture, located west of Tokyo. The Fujisan Nanto Fire Department reported that a man wielding a knife attacked individuals at the facility, resulting in eight people being hospitalized.

According to the fire department, five of those injured are in serious condition. However, additional information about their conditions has not been disclosed. Media outlets noted that all the victims were conscious when they were transported to nearby hospitals.

Local police have arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the stabbings. Details regarding the assailant’s motivations remain unclear.

According to sources cited by the Kyodo news agency, the suspect is believed to be a former employee of the factory, though police have yet to confirm this detail.

Shizuoka prefectural police said the attacker, a 38-year-old man, was arrested for alleged attempted murder at the factory, but did not give further details.

The attacker is believed to be a former employee at the factory, Kyodo news agency said, quoting investigative sources.

The suspect was carrying a survival knife and wearing what appeared to be a gas mask, the major Japanese newspaper Asahi reported, citing investigators.

Seven others were also injured by the bleach thrown at them during the attack, and taken to hospitals for treatment, the fire department said.

Japan has strict gun control laws and is known for violent crimes being rare, but there have been a number of high-profile knife attacks in recent years.