IN THE WORLD TODAY

Pupils among those killed in school attack

AGUNMAN has attacked a school in the Russian city of Kazan, sending students running out of the building as smoke poured from its windows. At least eight people were killed in the attack – seven eighth-grade students and a teacher – and 21 others were admitted to hospital, Russian officials said.

Footage released by Russian media outlets showed students dressed in black and white running out of the building. Another video depicted shattered windows, billowing smoke and sounds resembling gunshots in the background.

Dozens of ambulances lined up at the school’s entrance after the attack and police fenced off access to the building. Russian media said while some students were able to escape, others were trapped inside during the ordeal.

All students were eventually evacuated to nearby day care centres and collected by their families.

Officials said the attacker has been arrested and police opened a criminal investigation into the shooting.

Rustam Minnikhanov, governor of the Tatarstan republic where Kazan is the capital, said four boys and three girls, all eighth-grade students, died in the shooting. His press service later said a teacher was also killed.

“The terrorist has been arrested, [he is] 19 years old. A firearm is registered in his name. Other accomplices haven’t been established, an investigation is under way,” Minnikhanov said after visiting the school.

Authorities said additional security measures were immediately put into place in all schools in Kazan.