Canadian authorities confirmed on Tuesday that gun attacks at a school and a nearby home in northeastern British Columbia killed at least ten people.
The incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School claimed eight lives, including the suspected gunman. Officers later discovered two other bodies at a residence they believe links to the event.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said more than 25 people were injured in the school shooting, including two who remain in life-threatening condition.
In a statement, RCMP stated that officers entered the school after reports of an active shooter. During a search of the building, they found several victims. The suspected shooter was also discovered dead with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Police added that six other individuals were found dead inside the school. Two victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while another person died on the way to hospital.
Earlier in the day, the Peace River South School District announced a “lockdown and secure and hold” at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Elementary School.
Larry Neufeld, the member of the legislative assembly for Peace River South, told reporters that significant resources, including RCMP officers and ambulance services, had been deployed to the community. He declined to provide further details, citing concerns about operational safety.
Tumbler Ridge is a small town of about 2,400 residents, located more than 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver near the Alberta border. According to the provincial government website, Tumbler Ridge Secondary School serves around 175 students in Grades 7 through 12.
School shootings are uncommon in Canada.
