Canada school shooting: Ten dead, at least 25 injured in British Columbia’s Tumbler Ridge

A tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in rural northeast British Columbia has left 10 people dead, including the suspect, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the region's recent history.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the suspect was found dead within the school premises from what is believed to be a self-inflicted injury.

An earlier emergency alert had described the suspect as a woman in a dress with brown hair, and RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark reiterated that the described suspect was the one found dead. Details on identity or age have not yet been released.

Police said six people were found dead inside the high school, one person died on the way to hospital and two others were discovered at a residence in the community believed to be connected to the incident.

Two people were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while at least 25 others are being assessed for non-life-threatening injuries at the local medical centre.

Shelter-in-Place Order Issued, Later Lifted After Five Hours

The incident began around 1.20 pm local time when RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter at the school.

Tumbler Ridge police issued a 2 pm alert describing the suspect as a female in a dress with brown hair and asked residents to shelter in place, lock their doors and refrain from going outside.

The shelter-in-place order was lifted around five hours later, allowing people to return to their daily activities.

School District 59 initiated a hold and secure lockdown at both the secondary and elementary schools.

Around 100 people, including staff and students, were safely evacuated from the school, according to RCMP North District Chief Supt. Ken Floyd.

RCMP Hails Swift Response as Community Mourns

"This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift co-operation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response," Floyd wrote in a statement.

"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 co-operation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation," the statement added.

Police stated they do not believe there are any other suspects or any ongoing risk to the public. Officers are searching other homes and properties in the community to check for anyone else who may be injured or linked to the incident.

However, cops continue to ascertain if a second suspect was involved and the number of possible victims. The motive behind the shooting is yet to be determined.

Additional RCMP officers, including those from the Major Crime Unit, are being deployed from neighbouring areas to assist with the investigation.

Health Centre Restricted, School Closed for the Week

The Tumbler Ridge Health Centre was placed on restricted access during the response, with non-urgent visits discouraged.

Normal operations are set to resume at 9 am MT on Thursday. The school will remain closed this week.

A Class 9 student told Global News that he had to hide in a closet in a classroom with other children during the incident.

Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka said he was sheltering in place and would provide updates as more information became available.

The District of Tumbler Ridge described the event as a "deeply distressing incident" and urged residents to follow official RCMP updates.

Officials Deploy ‘Excess’ Resources as Province Pledges Assistance

"In the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process," the district stated. "Please check in on one another, lean on available supports, and know that Tumbler Ridge is a strong and caring community. We will get through this together."

Larry Neufeld, the member of the legislature for Peace River South, told reporters that an "excess" of resources, including RCMP and ambulance support, have been sent to the community.

British Columbia Premier David Eby assured every possible government support to the community. "Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones," he said.

Tumbler Ridge is a small community of about 2,400 residents located roughly 660 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.

The provincial government website lists Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as having 175 students from Grades 7 to 12.

(With inputs from ANI)