Mazda - Worker Runs Over People At Car Site

[Raistlin]

A disgruntled worker has slammed his car into employees at a Mazda factory in south-west Japan, killing one and injuring 10, police said.

Toshiaki Hikiji, 42, was arrested about an hour later on attempted murder charges after fleeing in his car from Mazda's Ujina plant in Hiroshima prefecture.

Japanese media reports said Hikiji was a contract worker who had been let go in April. He bore a grudge against the car maker and went there with a knife with the intention to kill, they said.

But Mazda Motor Corp spokesman Kotaro Minagawa said he had quit in April on his own, citing personal reasons, after working just eight days at the plant, and there had been no reports of problems.

The rampage revived memories of a stabbing spree in Tokyo's packed electronics shopping district two years ago, also by an angry car worker, who killed seven people when he slammed a truck into a crowd and then stabbed onlookers.

In the incident, Hikiji ignored security at the gate and drove into the plant as workers were arriving. The dead man was named as Hiroshi Hamada, 39, a permanent employee, known as "seishain", the company said.

One male worker remained in critical condition, although details were not available, Mr Minagawa said.

"I pray for the spirit of the man who was killed, and pray for the recovery of the 10 who were injured," Mazda president Takashi Yamanouchi said in a statement.

For decades during Japan's modernisation, its major companies guaranteed jobs for life and offered relatively good benefits in return for loyalty.

But car makers, pinched by cost-cutting efforts amid globalisation, are increasingly relying on workers called "haken", who are hired on less attractive contracts than regular workers, often through job-referral companies.

[Red Yaris 54]

I thought Mazda made light bulbs! ;)

Mazda lights burn brighter longer..........Allways ask for Mazda!!

[Raistlin]

I thought Mazda made light bulbs!

Mazda lights burn brighter longer..........Allways ask for Mazda!!

You know what they say " Many hands make light work"

[Bizarra]

Maybe he thought that he would get his job back if he tested the shock absorbers for them ?

Bit extreme, though. He may not succeed :(

[Jay B]

A slight over reaction to losing a job.

[KPARRIS-JONES]

That's what's wierd, he didn't lose it, he quit! :o

[Raistlin]

That's what's wierd, he didn't lose it, he quit!

Maybe he couldn't spell Redundant :D

[KPARRIS-JONES]

You really don't value our friendship so highly do ya Raist? :censor:

[Raistlin]

You really don't value our friendship so highly do ya Raist?

My life would be poorer without you,

All the others hit back harder

[KPARRIS-JONES]

Touché

I'll take that as a win....