Australia: Three killed, one injured in shooting incident in New South Wales town; accused at large
PTC Web Desk: Three persons lost their lives in a shooting incident in Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) on Thursday, coinciding with the country’s national day of mourning for victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack. The police have identified the suspected shooter and launched an extensive manhunt to apprehend him.
According to authorities, the incident began in Lake Cargelligo, located in the Central West region of NSW, where the gunman allegedly shot and killed a woman believed to be his ex-girlfriend and a man who was inside a car. He later opened fire at another location in the same town, targeting two more persons reportedly known to him. One woman died on the spot, while a man sustained critical injuries and remains under medical care.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, which lies more than 600 km west of Sydney, after receiving reports of multiple shootings. Police issued warnings urging residents to remain indoors and advised the public to avoid the area as the operation to locate the suspect continues.
Local MP Roy Butler described the episode as a “deeply distressing situation,” adding that details were still emerging. “At this stage, information is limited. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” he said in comments to Australian media.
Media reports, including those from The Sydney Morning Herald, suggested the suspect may still be hiding within the town and is believed to be armed with a long-range firearm.
The latest shooting comes just weeks after a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where two gunmen killed 15 persons in what authorities termed the country’s worst mass shooting in decades.
Following that attack, Australia introduced tougher firearm regulations, including a nationwide gun buyback programme and stricter background checks for licence applicants. NSW has also rolled out additional measures, capping gun ownership at four firearms per person and requiring licence holders to be active members of gun clubs.
- With inputs from agencies
