Toronto: At least nine people were killed after a gunwoman opened fire inside a high school in northern British Columbia, police said on Wednesday . The suspected attacker also died in the incident. Around 25 others were reported injured.
The shooting took place at a higher secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, a quiet community in the northern part of the province. Authorities had earlier issued an alert asking residents to remain indoors or move to safe locations as a precaution.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officers received a call around 1:30 pm about an armed individual inside the Tumbler Ridge school. By the time police reached the scene, several students from Grades 7 to 12 had been shot, some of whom had already succumbed to their injuries.
Northern BC Superintendent Ken Floyd said six students and the suspected gunwoman were found dead at the school. Another injured victim died while receiving initial medical assistance. Three critically injured students were airlifted to a larger hospital for advanced treatment.
Police said the motive behind the attack is under investigation. Authorities have secured the area and are working with school officials and emergency services as part of the ongoing probe.
