At least nine people have been killed after a school shooting in north-western Canada.

The Tumbler Ridge Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they responded to an active shooter situation at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School about 1.20pm today (8.20am AEDT).

When responding officers entered the school, they found multiple victims alongside a person who they believed had carried out the shooting.

On February 10, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Tumbler Ridge RCMP received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. (Google Maps)

The perpetrator was found dead at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Six people were found dead inside the school, and another one died on the way to hospital, according to the RCMP.

“Two victims have been airlifted to hospital with serious or life‑threatening injuries… Approximately 25 others are being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non‑life‑threatening injuries,” they said in a statement.

Authorities also confirmed they found two people dead at another location, believed to have been connected to the incident.

Police are conducting further searches of nearby homes to determine whether there are anymore injuries related to today’s events.

All other staff and students at the school were safely evacuated, with police looking to reunite children with their families.

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

Canada’s Prime Minister David Carney said he was “devastated” by the shooting.

“My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” he said on X.

“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens.”

RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd said it has been an “incredibly difficult day” for the small community.

“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident,” he said.

“We are grateful for the cooperation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation.”

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The RCMP have not released the identity of the suspect yet. (Adobe Stock)

He also said authorities had identified the suspect, but were not releasing their name at this time. Floyd also confirmed they were unsure of a motive.

Premier of British Columbia David Eby insisted the government would support victims’ families.

“Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones,” he said on X.

Tumbler Ridge is located in rural British Columbia in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, more than 1000 kilometres from the state capital Vancouver.

It is a small town with just under 2400 residents recorded during the last census in 2021.

School shootings are rare in Canada, with the last one with fatalities occurring in 2024 when two people died in Toronto.

The shooting is Canada’s deadliest rampage since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that left another nine dead.

Canada’s government has responded to previous mass shootings with gun control measures, including a recently broadened ban on all guns it considers assault weapons.

Reported with Associated Press
Source: https://www.9news.com.au/world/canada-tumbler-ridge-british-columbia-school-shooting/8308350c-4d91-4663-b1ed-620c5749dc6d