Authorities have confirmed that approximately 10 individuals have lost their lives in a shooting incident at an educational institution in Orebro.
This tragic event marks the deadliest school shooting Sweden has ever experienced, a country where incidents of school violence are uncommon. The suspected perpetrator is believed to be among the deceased.
Here is what we currently know:
Reports first reached the police about the shooting at 12:33 local time on Tuesday in Orebro, a city located 200km (124 miles) west of Stockholm.
The incident occurred at Campus Risbergska, a school aimed at adults, known as Komvux in Swedish, which primarily caters to individuals who did not complete their primary or secondary education. The campus also houses other educational facilities.
Witnesses, including teachers, recount hearing gunshots, prompting them to either evacuate their classrooms or seek refuge inside.
One teacher, Maria Pegado, shared with Reuters that she led her 15 students into a hallway and they fled the scene when she saw injured individuals being carried out. Another teacher, Lena Warenmark, stated on public broadcaster SVT that she was in her office when she heard gunshots in quick succession.
In response to the situation, the police sealed off six schools and a restaurant in the vicinity, advising people to either stay away or remain indoors.
Videos circulating on social media showed students hiding under desks, and footage filmed from a balcony captured the sound of rapid gunfire as people scattered.
Authorities have reported that "around 10" individuals lost their lives during the incident, with the victims discovered within the school building. Law enforcement personnel further mentioned that the suspected perpetrator was among the deceased.
There was initial confusion regarding the number of casualties shortly after the attack. While media outlets reported several fatalities, the police, during their first official briefing at 15:30 local time, acknowledged only five injuries. Subsequently, at 18:00, it was confirmed that "around 10" individuals had died.
Law enforcement identified the assailant as a lone male who was not previously known to them and had no apparent links to any criminal organization. Authorities have ruled out a terror motive for the attack.
The police disclosed minimal information about the type of weapon used, confirming only that it was a firearm. Responding to inquiries about whether the gunman took his own life, officials indicated a lack of knowledge about this aspect.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the deceased. Ms. Warenmark noted that the school had fewer students present that day due to a national exam that had taken place.
The Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, described the incident as the worst mass shooting in Sweden's history and cautioned against speculative discussions about the shooter's motive.
While Sweden has witnessed previous school shootings, none have matched the scale of this tragic event.