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Three fatalities confirmed in Lake Cargelligo shooting
Police in New South Wales report three people killed and one seriously injured following a shooting incident in the small town of Lake Cargelligo on Thursday afternoon.
Timeline of events
Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire in a residential area around 4:40 p.m. local time (5:40 a.m. GMT). Officers discovered two victims-a man and a woman-shot dead inside a vehicle. Shortly afterward, a second shooting occurred nearby, resulting in the death of another woman and leaving a man in critical condition at a local hospital.
Suspect at large
Police confirmed the gunman remains on the run and is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle. Authorities have not released details about the suspect's identity or possible motive but have urged residents to stay indoors while multiple crime scenes are secured.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland described the situation as deeply distressing for the tight-knit community. "Any loss of life in a small country town is devastating, but a scene involving firearms understandably creates significant fear and tension," he told reporters.
Holland also acknowledged the trauma faced by first responders, calling the conditions they encountered "horrific."
Possible domestic violence link
The Sydney Morning Herald reported the attack may have been motivated by domestic violence, though police have not confirmed a connection between the suspect and victims. Holland declined to comment on the relationship between the individuals involved.
Community impact
Lake Cargelligo, a rural town of approximately 1,500 residents in central New South Wales, is reeling from the violence. The incident follows last month's mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, which left 15 people dead and heightened national concerns about gun violence.
Local authorities continue to investigate while urging the public to avoid the area and report any suspicious activity.
