A deadly school shooting in southern Turkey has left nine people dead, including eight students and one teacher, raising alarm over safety in educational institutions after a second such incident in two days.
The attack took place at Ayser Calik Secondary School in the Kahramanmaras region. Authorities said at least 13 others were injured, with several reported in critical condition. Officials confirmed that the attacker, a 14 year old student, also died during the incident.
According to reports, the attacker entered classrooms carrying multiple firearms and opened fire. Local authorities indicated that the weapons were linked to his father, a former police officer, who has since been detained for questioning.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of panic as gunfire spread across the school. Videos from the location showed students jumping from windows and running out of the building to escape. Parents rushed to the site as news of the attack spread, many expressing fear and distress over the safety of their children.
The incident comes a day after another shooting at a high school in the same region, where an ex student injured several people before taking his own life. The close timing of the two incidents has intensified concerns about security and access to weapons.
Officials have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack. Authorities are examining how the weapons were obtained and whether there were warning signs prior to the incident.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed concern and extended support to affected families. He wished recovery for the injured and called for attention to the impact on students and teachers.
Parents and community members have raised questions about safety measures in schools. Some have expressed hesitation about sending children back to classrooms following the incident.
The back to back attacks have prompted calls for stronger safeguards and stricter monitoring of access to firearms. The events have also renewed focus on the need for preventive steps to protect students and staff in educational spaces.
The situation remains tense as investigations continue and authorities assess further security measures to prevent similar incidents.
