Thirty-four individuals have been killed in Thailand on Thursday in a gun and knife assault at a daycare centre by a former policeman who killed his spouse and youngster earlier than turning his weapon on himself, police mentioned.
There have been 22 kids among the many victims of the suspected attacker, who had been discharged from the service final 12 months for drug-related causes, district police official Chakkraphat Wichitvaidya instructed media.
He cited witnesses as saying the gunman was additionally seen wielding a knife.
About 30 kids have been on the centre when the gunman arrived, fewer than traditional, as heavy rain had saved many individuals away, district official Jidapa Boonsom, who was working in a close-by workplace on the time, instructed Reuters.
The assault came about early within the afternoon within the Thai province of Nong Bua Lamphu, in line with police. Supply: Google
“The shooter got here in round lunchtime and shot 4 or 5 officers on the childcare centre first,” mentioned Ms Jidapa, including that amongst them was a trainer who was eight months pregnant.
“At first, individuals thought it was fireworks,” she mentioned.
The gunman then compelled his manner right into a locked room the place kids have been sleeping, Ms Jidapa mentioned, to kill kids there with a knife.
Movies posted on social media confirmed sheets overlaying what gave the impression to be the our bodies of youngsters mendacity in swimming pools of blood on the centre within the city of Uthai Sawan, 500 km northeast of Bangkok within the province of Nong Bua Lamphu.
Reuters couldn’t instantly authenticate the footage.
Earlier, police mentioned a manhunt was underway for the shooter, and a authorities spokesman mentioned the prime minister had alerted all businesses to catch the perpetrator.
Mass shootings are uncommon in Thailand, regardless that the speed of gun possession is excessive in contrast with another international locations within the area, and unlawful weapons are frequent.
In 2020, a soldier offended over a property deal gone bitter killed a minimum of 29 individuals and wounded 57 in a rampage that spanned 4 areas.
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