Three killed, one injured in shooting in rural Australia’s New South Wales

A deadly shooting in rural New South Wales has left three dead, prompting lockdown warnings and a major police operation

PGurus Newsdesk

January 22, 2026

Police have launched a manhunt after a shooting killed three people in a small NSW town on Thursday

Gunman at large after deadly attack in Lake Cargelligo; residents told to stay indoors as police launch manhunt

At least three people were killed and another was injured in a shooting on Thursday in the small town of Lake Cargelligo in Australia’s New South Wales, police said.

Emergency services were called to a residential property on Walker Street, near Yelkin Street, at around 4:40 pm, following reports of gunfire in the town, which has a population of about 1,500.

Officers from the Central West Police District found two women and one man dead at the scene. A fourth victim, a man, was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition, authorities said.

Shooter still at large

Police said the shooter or shooters had not been apprehended and urged residents to remain indoors and avoid the area as operations continued.

A crime scene has been established and investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Authorities said further details would be released as more information becomes available.

Incident follows national day of mourning

The shooting occurred on a National Day of Mourning in Australia, as the country remembered the 15 people killed in a mass shooting in Sydney on December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration.

Authorities have said the alleged gunmen in the Sydney attack were inspired by the Islamic State group, marking Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996.

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