At least nine people have been confirmed dead and about 25 others injured following a mass shooting at a high school and a nearby residential property in Tumbler Ridge, a rural town in British Columbia, Canada.
Police said officers responding to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School around 1:20 p.m. local time on Tuesday discovered six people dead at the scene, with dozens injured.
Another victim later died while being transported to hospital, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Authorities also confirmed that two additional bodies were found at a residence believed to be linked to the incident, bringing the total number of fatalities to nine.
The suspected shooter was found dead at the school from what police described as an apparent self-inflicted injury.
Emergency alerts issued to residents reportedly described the suspect as a brown-haired woman wearing a dress.
Two victims with serious or life-threatening injuries were airlifted to hospital, while approximately 25 others with non-life-threatening injuries are receiving treatment at a local medical centre.
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School serves about 175 students from Grades 7 to 12, according to provincial records.
Police say investigations are ongoing and no clear motive has yet been established. Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander, told reporters authorities are still working to determine what led to the tragedy.
“We are not in a position at this time to understand why this happened,” Floyd said, adding that investigators will continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials have identified the suspected shooter but have not released details publicly for privacy reasons.
Authorities also declined to confirm whether the victims’ included children or clarify any connection between the suspect and those affected.
