On Wednesday, an 18-year-old gunman entered and fired at a school in southern Thailand injuring several individuals, taking students and teachers hostage briefly before being arrested by law enforcement, the local authorities said.
It happened at Patongprathankiriwat School, which is located at Hat Yai district in Songkhla province. Police officers reported that the gunman got into the school premises and opened fire leading to panic by students and staff. Social media videos showed chaotic scenes as students and other people ran away and sought shelter as the situation ensued.
Police reported that the gunman had a hostage of teachers and students in the school building in an unspecified number. Security forces were quickly deployed at the location and the location was encircled and negotiations commenced to ensure safe release of individuals who were held hostage.
The deputy Superintendent Wichian Soboon affirmed that the suspect was eventually arrested without any further deterioration. He has captured the perpetrator and there were no hostages that were not freed safely, he said.
The shooting was reported to have injured at least three people, although the authorities are yet to state the extent of their injuries. They had emergency services that were sent to offer health care to the injured and maintain the safety of students and school staff.
The police have initiated an inquiry to establish the reason why the attack took place and whether the suspect did the attacks single-handedly. Security has also been put on alert in the region by the authorities.
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