Reports from the police stated that a school shooting occurred in central Sweden, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 10 individuals. Additionally, an unspecified number of people sustained injuries during the incident.
Details regarding the condition of the injured individuals remain unclear. It is also uncertain whether the perpetrator of the shooting is included among those who were harmed. The location of the shooting was at the Risbergska School located in Orebro, Sweden. Authorities have advised local residents to avoid the area for safety reasons. The police have not released the identities of the deceased victims. They suspect that the shooter may be one of the individuals who were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Risbergska School is recognized as an adult education facility catering to individuals who were unable to finish their primary or secondary education, as stated by the BBC. Additionally, the school provides Swedish language courses for migrants seeking to integrate into society.
“The investigation is somewhat unclear,” The local head of police, Roberto Eid Forest, said during a briefing. “It is unclear whether the shooting took place inside the school (building) or whether there may be more perpetrators.”
“This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a statement.
Andreas Sundling, 28, was among those forced to barricade themselves inside the school.
“We heard three bangs and loud screams,” he told Expressen newspaper while sheltering in a classroom. “Now we’re sitting here waiting to be evacuated from the school. The information we have received is that we should sit and wait.”
Police have made no statements regarding a potential motive for the shooting, and they have not declared it an act of terrorism.
Teacher Lena Warenmark told SVT News that there were unusually few students on the campus Tuesday afternoon because many went home after a national test. She also told the broadcaster that she heard probably 10 gunshots.
“The reports of violence in Orebro are very serious. The police are on site and the operation is in full swing,” Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer told Swedish outlet TT.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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