SYDNEY, Dec 14 (HS): At least nine people were killed and several others wounded after two suspected shooters opened fire at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, triggering panic among crowds at one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, police said.

New South Wales Police said emergency services responded to reports of gunfire at around 6:45 pm local time. Eleven injured people were rushed to hospitals across Sydney, with several reported to be in serious condition.

One of the alleged attackers was shot dead by police, while the second was taken into custody in critical condition, authorities said.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as beachgoers fled in fear. “We heard the shots — it felt like 10 minutes of just bang, bang, bang,” said Camilo Diaz, a 25-year-old student from Chile, who was at the scene.

Police cordoned off the area and said suspicious items found nearby were being examined by specialist officers. An exclusion zone remains in place.

Bondi Beach, located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, attracts large crowds of surfers, swimmers and tourists, particularly on weekends. Several witnesses reported seeing multiple bodies lying on the ground, while discarded personal belongings were strewn across the grassy areas overlooking the beach.

Television footage showed paramedics treating injured people near the shoreline. A weapon believed to be a shotgun was seen lying near a tree at the site.

Authorities have not confirmed the motive behind the attack. Investigations are ongoing.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar