Peregian Springs childcare lockdown: Man fatally stabs himself at Sunshine Coast centre
A man in his twenties has died at a Sunshine Coast childcare centre after an intense confrontation in front of staff, children, and police.
Officers responded to Habitat Peregian Springs around 6pm on Monday after reports of a disturbance.
Staff and several children secured themselves in a room when the man started smashing a glass door, according to the Courier Mail.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police used tasers multiple times in an attempt to subdue the man, but he then produced a knife and fatally stabbed himself.
The incident is being treated as mental health-related.
Police said the Ethical Standards Command is investigating the death of the 28-year-old man.
“Initial information indicates shortly after 6pm, emergency services were called to a reported disturbance at a Peregian Springs business premises,” Queensland police said in a statement.
“On arrival shortly after, police located a 28-year-old man who had forced entry to the premises, was self-harming, and consequently sustained serious injuries.
“Officers attempted to negotiate with the man before taking him into custody. The man became unresponsive soon after.
“Attending police rendered first aid before other emergency services arrived, however he was declared deceased a short time later.
“No other person present at the time of the incident was physically harmed.
“The man’s death is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the State Coroner and independent oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.”
Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek told a press conference on Tuesday he had only just been informed of the “horrendous issue”.
“That is a horrendous issue that I’ve only just been advised of,” he said.
“I’m sure that for many of those students and teachers, it’s a particularly traumatic experience they’ve gone through.
“I think those early childhood teachers and educators are heroes, and any counselling service that is needed will be provided, but the safety of our children is paramount,” Mr Langbroek said.
Mr Langbroek said he understood the staff had done an “amazing job”.
“I’m sure there’ll be tributes paid to them for the work that they’ve done,” he said.
