Turkey school shooting: At least four dead as gunman opens fire | World | News
At least four people have been killed following a suspected shooting at a middle school in Turkey. The horror unfolded at Ayser Çelik Middle School in Kahramanmaraş in the south on Wednesday, in what is the second shocking school shooting in just two days.
Kahramanmaraş Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer confirmed there had been four fatalities – including a teacher and three students – and 20 people injured. Speaking to reporters at the scene, the governor said the attacker was an eighth-grade pupil who had brought weapons into the school. He added: “The 8th-grade student who caused the incident is one of our students, and is father is a former police officer. We suspect he took his weapons. He came with five guns and seven magazines and entered two classrooms. He also passed away – he shot himself during the commotion. Whether it was suicide or if he shot himself during the commotion is currently unknown. Unfortunately, we have four fatalities. One of them was a teacher, and three were students. We also have 20 injured, four of whom are currently undergoing surgery and are believed to be in critical condition.”
After the first reports emerged, emergency crews and ambulances rushed to the scene as chaos gripped the area. Images and videos have captured pupils and teachers fleeing the school building.
Security forces have cordoned off the area around the school has familes rushed to the scene.
Speaking earlier, Kahramanmaraş Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer said: “There is an attack right now. A tragic incident occurred at one of our schools. We have received information that there are injured people. Unfortunately, there is a loss of life.
“We are investigating the matter thoroughly.”
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and National Education Minister Yusuf Tekin have reportedly set off for Kahramanmaraş following the armed attack incident.
A statement from Justice Minister Akın Gürlek reads: “Regarding the armed attack that occurred at a school in Kahramanmaraş, the Kahramanmaraş Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office immediately launched an investigation.
“Three Deputy Chief Public Prosecutors and 4 Public Prosecutors have been assigned. Our Chief Public Prosecutor and the assigned Public Prosecutors are continuing their investigations at the scene.
“A publication ban has been issued for the sake of the investigation, and it is important that our press organizations respect the confidentiality of the investigation.
“Necessary information regarding all stages of the investigation will be provided by the competent authorities.”
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) issued a warning to broadcasting media organizations not to share footage of the incident.
The shooting came just a day after a 17-year-old former pupil opened fire at a school in Turkey’s Siverek district, injuring 16 people before turning the shotgun on himself as police closed in.
Officials said those hurt included 10 students, four teachers, a police officer and a canteen worker, in what is a rare incident in Turkey.
