24 children die in nursery massacre
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A FORMER policeman sacked for using drugs slaughtered 24 children in a gun and knife rampage in Thailand yesterday.
Panya Khamrap shot dead several adults, including a heavily pregnant teacher, when he began his attack at a nursery school at 12.30pm during the children’s nap time.
Armed with a shotgun, knife and pistol, he then forced his way into a locked room and stabbed to death the children sleeping inside, some as young as two.
A total of 22 youngsters – 19 boys and three girls – were found dead at the school.
A further adult and young boy were killed outside in a government office in Uthai Sawan in the north-eastern province, Nong Bua Lamphu.
Khamrap continued his attack in nearby streets, shooting at bystanders and trying to run over panicked pedestrians as he fled in a van, which he later torched.
When he returned home he killed himself, his wife and child. One boy and four adults were found dead in the house.
Three further adults were taken to hospital, where they were also pronounced dead.
In total, at least 37 people were killed along with the shooter. A dozen people who were injured were taken to Nong Bua Lamphu district hospital. Khamrap, 34, had been sacked by police last year for drug use and had been in court on drugs charges yesterday, just before the massacre.
A motive remains unclear but Khamrap was said to have arrived at the nursery and become agitated when he found his child was not there.
An official said: “The shooter came in around lunchtime and shot four or five officials at the childcare centre. At first people thought it was fireworks.”
A witness told how she survived the attack. She said: “I heard gunshots and then saw him put in the bullets and point the gun at me.
“I climbed the walls and asked for help. He was inside the centre for a long time. He used a knife and cut all the kids. He stabbed my staff. That’s all I know.”
Thai PM Prayuth Chanocha called it “shocking”.
I saw him put in the bullets and point the gun at me witness WHO SURVIVED ATTACK