Australia shooting: Three found dead at scene in New South Wales town; accused still at large

Three people were killed and another injured in a shooting on Thursday in the Australian state of New South Wales, police said.

Emergency services were called to a property in Lake Cargelligo — a rural town with a population of about 1,500 — following reports of gunfire, according to a police statement. Police said they were conducting an active operation in the town of Lake Cargelligo, roughly 611 kilometres (379 miles) west of Sydney, and advised residents to remain indoors.

Officers found three victims — two women and a man — dead at the scene. Another man was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Police said the shooter or shooters were still at large.




Authorities issued geo-targeted text alerts urging residents to avoid the area and remain indoors while the operation continued.

The incident occurred on Australia’s National Day of Mourning, observed in memory of the 15 people killed in a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on December 14. Officials have said the two alleged attackers in that case were inspired by the Islamic State group, marking the country’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996.