

Six dead after man opens fire in Czech hospital waiting room

A man with an illegal gun has shot six people dead and wounded three more in a hospital in the eastern Czech Republic, the prime minister and officials said.
The apparent suspect later shot himself dead as police approached his car.
Prime Minister Andrej Babis told Czech public television the shooting took place about 7am in a waiting room.
Paramedics are seen in front of the Ostrava Teaching Hospital, where at least six people died after shooting. (AAP)
The attacker opened fire at people's heads from close range, Babis said.
The prime minister canceled an official visit to Estonia and was heading for the site, at the University hospital in the eastern city of Ostrava, 350km east of Prague.
"It's a huge tragedy," Babis later said.
"It's an unfortunate, individual act."
He said the suspect had been treated in the hospital, but didn't offer details.
Armed police officers move near the crime scene in front of a hospital in Ostrava, Czech Republic. (AAP)
Interior Minister Jan Hamacek said police found the suspect's car. He shot himself as they approached and died from his injuries about half an hour later.
Hamacek said police would be investigating his motive.
"I'd like to assure the public that there's no danger anymore," Hamacek said.
Police identified the suspect as a 42-year-old man.
Hospital staff hide behind police vehicles near the scene of a shooting in Ostrava, Czech Republic. (AAP)
Several hundred police officers had launched an extensive manhunt, using two helicopters, for the suspect and his silver-grey Renault Laguna car.
Regional police chief officer Tomas Kuzel said the suspect used an illegally held Czech-made 9mm gun. He said police believe the suspect who had a criminal record acted alone.
Police published a photo of the suspect, having withdrawn an earlier photo of a different man. They said that man was now considered to be a witness.
Clinic director Jiri Havrlant told media the dead were four men and two women. Another man and a woman had to be operated on, while one person was more lightly wounded.
All the victims were adult patients waiting for treatment.

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