RCMP say nine people have died following a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge B.C., which is located about 400 kilometres north east of Prince George.
Update: the number of casualties was corrected during an RCMP press conference on Wednesday.
Mounties received a report of an active shooter at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School around 1:20 Mountain Time on Tuesday, February 10th.
A Police Initiated Public Alert was issued as officers responded to the scene.
This alert was officially cancelled at 5:45 p.m., as police do not believe there are any outstanding suspects or ongoing threat to the public.
As part of the initial response to the active shooting, police entered the school to locate the threat.
An individual believed to be the shooter was found deceased with what police say appears to be a self-inflicted injury.
According to police, six individuals, not including the suspect, have been located deceased inside the school.
Two victims have been airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries.
Police say a third victim died while being transported to hospital.
Roughly 25 others are being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries.
RCMP say all remaining students and staff were safely evacuated, and police are working closely with the School District to support a coordinated reunification process for families.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police say they’ve identified a secondary location believed to be connected to the incident, where two additional victims were located deceased in a residence.
Police are conducting further searches to determine if anyone else may have been injured or otherwise linked to the incident.
The RCMP says additional resources are being deployed to the community to support the response and investigation.
The BC RCMP’s Major Crime unit has assumed conduct of the investigation, and is working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” said North District Superintendent Ken Floyd in a news release.
“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Story by Darin Bain, Vista Radio.
