One child was killed and two others were seriously injured in a tragic school shooting in Finland. The incident occurred at Viertola primary school in the city of Vantaa, located about 18 kilometers north of the capital, Helsinki. The victims were all 12 years old, and the suspect, also 12 years old and a student at the same school, fled on foot but was later captured by police in a suburb north of Helsinki.
Viertola school has two locations with approximately 800 students and 90 staff members. After the shooting, students remained in their classrooms as authorities urged people in the area to stay away from the school and to remain indoors without letting strangers in.
Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, expressed shock at the incident, stating, “The Vantaa shooting is deeply shocking. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the other students and staff at the Viertola school.” Police were called to the scene at 9:08 a.m. local time.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.