Sydney mass stabbing: 6 shot dead at mall; several people evacuated
Sydney mass stabbing: In a distressing incident, at six people were reported to be dead after a man entered a mall in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Saturday afternoon and began randomly shooting and stabbing people.
The spine-chilling incident unfolded at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney and South Wales Police were alerted to the situation just before 4 p.m. (0600 GMT) and swiftly dispatched emergency services to the scene, as stated in an official statement.
In response to the alarming situation, hundreds of individuals were evacuated from the shopping center while some individuals were unfortunately left trapped inside.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing gunshots during the chaotic episode, with one witness describing the presence of SWAT teams combing through the surrounding streets even after the initial evacuation. Another witness described seeing a woman lying on the ground and seeking refuge in a nearby jewellery store for safety.
New South Wales state police confirmed the commencement of a police operation but refrained from disclosing further particulars at the time. Social media platforms were flooded with posts depicting the frenzied evacuation of the mall, alongside images of police vehicles and emergency services rushing to the area.
Witnesses describe scenes of sheer terror as a man, reportedly armed with a knife, ran amok, leaving bystanders in a state of shock and confusion.
Harrowing eyewitness accounts paint a picture of pandemonium within the shopping centre as terrified shoppers scrambled for safety. The sudden eruption of violence shattered the tranquility of the bustling retail hub, leaving scores of people traumatised and reeling from the ordeal.
- PTC NEWS
