At least 10 people were killed in stabbings in remote Canadian communities on Sunday, police said, launching a three-province manhunt for two suspects. 15 other people were injured.

After responding to multiple emergency calls, police have located “10 deceased individuals at 13 locations in the James Smith Cree Nation Indian community and in Weldon, Saskatchewan,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner said. Canada, Rhonda Blackmore, at a press conference.

“Several other victims were injured, 15 of whom were transported to various hospitals,” he said. But more victims may have sought medical help on their own, he added.

“We are actively looking for the two suspects (…) and are investigating the numerous crime scenes,” the commissioner said. They were identified as Damien and Myles Sanderson and described as men in their 30s and 30s, both with dark hair and brown eyes.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted to the incident. “The attacks in Saskatchewan today are horrific and heartbreaking,” he tweeted. “I think of those who have lost loved ones and those who have been hurt.”

The suspects fled in a black Nissan Rogue, according to Blackmore, and multiple checkpoints were set up on highways and roads in the area, with “maximum” police resources deployed in the search.

The James Smith Cree Nation of 2,500 people has declared a local state of emergency, while many residents of the province of Saskatchewan have been told to take shelter wherever they are.

According to Blackmore, authorities believe “some of the victims were targeted by the suspects and others were randomly attacked.” “Talking about motivation would be extremely difficult at this stage,” he added.

After reports that the suspects were seen in Regina, the provincial capital more than 300 km away, the alert and search spread to neighboring provinces of Manitoba and Alberta, a vast area nearly half the size of Europe. .

The Saskatchewan Health Authority told AFP in a statement that it has activated emergency protocols to deal with “a high number of critically ill patients”.

“We can confirm that several people are being examined and treated at several locations and that a request has been made for additional staff to help deal with the situation,” he added.

Three helicopters were sent from Saskatoon and Regina to remote communities to transport the victims and bring a doctor to the scene. Other victims were taken by ambulance to hospitals in nearby towns.