A 24-year-old man stabbed several passengers on board a train in Tokyo before igniting a fire on Sunday, according to local authorities and the police.
At least 17 people were injured in the attack, with at least three people in serious condition, the Tokyo Fire Department said.
The man was reportedly dressed as the “Joker” character from the “Batman” comic book and film series. Japanese outlet NHK said the assailant was dressed in a green shirt, a blue suit and a purple coat.
The stabbing rampage occurred as partygoers traveled towards the lively neighborhood of Shinjuku to take part in Halloween celebrations.
Japanese media reported that the attacker spread a liquid around the train, lighting the carriage ablaze. The type of liquid used to start the fire is still unclear.
Videos on social media showed dozens of panicked passengers escaping from a burning train car. Others climbed through the windows of the carriage to escape the Keio Line train while it had stopped at a station.
The suspect had told authorities he “wanted to kill people so he could be sentenced to death,” according to local media.
