A tranquil afternoon in the rural community of Lake Cargelligo was shattered by violence on Tuesday when a shooting incident claimed three lives and left another individual hospitalized. According to New South Wales Police, the tragedy unfolded at approximately 4:40 PM local time (05:40 GMT) in the Walker Street area near Yelkin Street, prompting immediate deployment of emergency services.
The victims, identified as two women and one man, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. A fourth individual was transported to a medical facility and remains in serious but stable condition. Preliminary investigations suggest the incident may be connected to domestic violence, though authorities continue to pursue all lines of inquiry.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed the suspected perpetrator remains at large, potentially having fled the scene in a vehicle belonging to the local council. In response, heavily armed tactical police units have been deployed throughout the region as the manhunt intensifies.
Local residents have been advised to shelter in place while authorities urge the public to avoid the affected area entirely. The community of approximately 1,500 people, located in central New South Wales, now faces its second major gun-related tragedy in recent months, following December’s mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that resulted in 15 fatalities.
The incident has reignited national conversations about gun control and domestic violence prevention measures across Australia. Police continue their investigation while maintaining a significant presence in Lake Cargelligo as search operations continue.