Manhunt Underway After Triple Fatal Shooting in Rural Australian Town
Police in Australia have launched a major manhunt after a gunman shot and killed three people in the quiet rural town of Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales. The incident, which also left one man wounded, has sent shockwaves through the small community, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the affected area.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 4.40pm local time on Thursday, 22 January 2026. Upon arrival, officers discovered two deceased individuals inside a vehicle. In a subsequent development, police later found another male and female with gunshot wounds at a second location nearby, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.
The suspected shooter, who has been identified by police and reportedly has an apprehended violence order against them, fled the scene in a council-owned vehicle. Authorities have emphasised that the incident is being treated as a suspected domestic violence attack, explicitly ruling out any connection to terrorism.
Community on High Alert
Residents of Lake Cargelligo, a town with a population of around 1,500 people located roughly 500 kilometres west of Sydney, have been advised to remain vigilant and stay indoors while the search for the gunman continues. The local police force, supported by specialised units, is conducting a thorough investigation and search operation across the region.
This tragic event occurred on Australia's National Day of Mourning, a day dedicated to remembering the victims of a separate, unrelated mass shooting that took place in Sydney. The coincidence has added a layer of national sorrow to the local tragedy.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Law enforcement officials are pursuing all leads to locate the suspect, who remains at large. The use of a council vehicle in the escape has become a focal point of the investigation. Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in apprehending the individual and have set up a dedicated hotline for tips.
The community is being supported by crisis counsellors and local support services as they come to terms with the violence that has shattered the peace of their rural town. Further updates are expected as the manhunt and investigation progress.
