NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep shock over a mass shooting at a school in Canada’s British Columbia province and offered condolences to the families of those killed, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Deeply shocked by the horrendous shooting in Canada. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada in this moment of profound grief,” Modi said in a post on X.
His statement came after nine people were killed in a shooting incident in a small mining town in British Columbia on Tuesday, local authorities said. Officials said the suspect, believed to be a single individual, later died by suicide.
Federal police said seven victims were found dead inside a local high school in Tumbler Ridge, while two others were discovered in a nearby home. The suspected shooter was later found dead inside the school, according to police.
Authorities said about 100 staff members and students at the school were safely evacuated following the incident. Police indicated the suspect may have been a woman or someone wearing female attire, but declined to confirm whether the shooter was a student or an adult, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation.
An emergency alert sent to phones in the area described the suspect as a brown-haired female wearing a dress. Police later confirmed that the individual referenced in the alert was the same person found dead at the school.
Two people with serious injuries were airlifted to a hospital, while 25 others were examined for injuries at a local medical center, police said.
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” and said the government would ensure full support for affected community members in the coming days.
Police said the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Investigators believe the shootings at the school and the nearby home were connected.
Tumbler Ridge is a small coal mining town with a population of about 2,400 and is known for nearby dinosaur footprints and fossil sites. (Source: IANS)
