WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Two people, including a suspect, were dead and at least six others were hospitalized after a mass stabbing Thursday on the Hollow Water First Nation, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.
The RCMP said officers responded to the community about 200 kilometres (125 miles) northeast of Winnipeg Thursday morning. Health officials reported that two victims were airlifted to Winnipeg for treatment while the remaining injured were taken there by ground ambulance. A code orange — used when a hospital faces a sudden influx of patients — was declared at the city’s largest hospital.
"This was a senseless act of violence," RCMP said in a statement, adding that there was no longer a risk to public safety. The Mounties said officers would remain in the Hollow Water community and on a highway to the south near Black River First Nation as they continued to gather information. "Our officers are gathering information to determine what exactly occurred this morning and we will be providing a more detailed update early this afternoon," the statement said.
Provincial health authorities confirmed multiple people were being treated in hospital but did not immediately release identifying information or detailed conditions of the victims. Local emergency services coordinated air and ground transfers to Winnipeg facilities after the attack.
The RCMP did not release the identities of those killed or specify a motive. Investigators remained on scene and were collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, the force said.
The attack drew an immediate law-enforcement and medical response to Hollow Water First Nation, a community in central Manitoba. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation continued.
The RCMP statement and health agency accounts formed the basis of reporting on the incident. Officials said they would provide further details as they became available while the investigation proceeded.