According to a media report, an Indian-origin couple in Sydney found themselves in a harrowing situation when a man launched a stabbing spree at a busy shopping center on Saturday. The couple took refuge in a backroom, using cardboard boxes to barricade themselves along with dozens of other people. Tragically, six lives were lost during this horrifying incident before the police intervened and shot the attacker dead.
Shoi Ghoshal, an eyewitness in Sydney, recounted the terrifying events that unfolded at the Westfield shopping center in Bondi Junction. Alongside her husband, Debashis Chakrabarty, they found themselves caught up in the chaos as the attack began.
The 36-year-old couple found themselves inside a store at the Westfield shopping center in Bondi Junction when it became evident that something was terribly amiss.
My heart goes out to the victims and families of the terror attack in Sydney, Australia. Up to 6 dead and multiple wounded. 💔💔
Chaotic scene in shopping mall where possible stabbing attacks occurred. https://t.co/SxnDiCSTBn
— OG Horses Kisses in Global Clownworld 🇨🇦🎗 (@CdnFreedomGirl) April 13, 2024
Ghosal said, they initially heard commotion inside the store and assumed it was related to a fire. However, the situation quickly escalated when people began urgently warning that someone was stabbing people indiscriminately.
“We went into a backroom, a storeroom, and used boxes to barricade ourselves in,” she said, estimating that there were between 20 to 25 people huddling inside.
Despite the chaos, Ghoshal vividly remembered an elderly woman crying for her husband outside. The group managed to contact the authorities, who instructed them to remain calm and stay put.
After the harrowing ordeal, the group emerged from their makeshift sanctuary, guided by the mall’s emergency exit. As they stepped outside, a swarm of police cars greeted them—a reassuring sight amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
“It was just beyond horrible. It plays on your mind that you could have been one of the victims. We are grateful we are safe and our thoughts are with those who have suffered. It is terrible for their families,” she told the BBC.
As reported by the police, four women and one man lost their lives at the scene, while a fifth woman succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
eight individuals, including a nine-month-old baby, are currently receiving medical treatment at various hospitals in Sydney. The baby, who was among the injured, was last reported to be undergoing surgery, As reported by BBC.
Apparent terrorist stabbing attack in a Sydney mall. The attacker killed 6 people before a female police officer took him out. pic.twitter.com/S3j0vaGqSt
— AG (@AGHamilton29) April 13, 2024
According to authorities, the individual in question is a 40-year-old man. However, they are awaiting formal identification and have stated that it is too early to speculate on his motivations.
The suspect initially entered Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre around 3:10 pm local time. He subsequently left the center but returned 10 minutes later, this time armed with a knife. During his return, he engaged with approximately nine people inside the mall, as per police statement.
A senior female officer who was nearby the scene promptly took action. She observed the suspect lunging toward her, and in response, she shot him.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the officer as a “hero”. She diligently performed CPR until the paramedics arrived, but unfortunately, the suspect could not be revived.
As stated by the police, the suspect acted alone, and there is no current threat to the public safety.
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