In a tragic event on a high school campus in Canada, nine individuals lost their lives due to a shooting incident. The tragedy unfolded at a small high school located in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a community with a population of just over 2,000. The school, which hosts around 175 students, was the scene of this devastating attack.
Nine Killed in High School Shooting in Canada
Among the victims, six were found within the school premises. A seventh individual succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. The authorities also discovered two additional victims at a nearby residence. As of now, further details regarding the deceased have not been released.
Emergency Response and Casualties
- 25 individuals transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
- Two victims reported to be in critical condition.
Shortly after the incident, police circulated a description of the supposed shooter, who is believed to be a woman. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Personal Accounts from Students
Students described the chaos during the attack. One student recounted his fear while barring the classroom door with peers and a teacher. They focused on maintaining a positive attitude until they received the gravity of the situation through messages from outside. After nearly two hours, police entered the classroom and escorted the students to safety.
Community Reactions
David Eby, the Premier of British Columbia, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He assured the community of provincial support as they process the tragedy. Prime Minister Carney also expressed his shock and solidarity with those mourning the losses. Originally scheduled to attend a safety summit in Munich, the Prime Minister postponed his travel plans in light of the shooting.
School Closures and Context
In response to the shooting, the high school will remain closed for the remainder of the week. The local elementary school is also suspending operations. Such incidents are rare in Canada compared to the United States; this shooting marks the second deadliest school shooting in Canadian history. The deadliest incident was a 1989 attack in Montreal, where fourteen women were killed in an antifeminist incident.
The community of Tumbler Ridge now faces the challenging task of healing and coming together after this unfathomable event.
