They came to Krakow for a trip. The Irish saved those who had been shot in the Main Market Square

At first they thought it was fireworks

The tragedy took place on Saturday after 15 in the center of Krakow. The black Subaru entered the Main Square. The driver started shooting at random passers-by. 6 people died and 15 were taken to hospitals.

At that time, there were six volunteers from the capital branch of the Civil Defense of Ireland near the Market Square. They came to Krakow for a trip.

Such people are trained in providing basic medical assistance, including: when it comes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation or stopping bleeding, Civil Defense officer James McConnell told the Irish public broadcaster. He explained that initially the Dublin volunteers thought the shots were fireworks. A moment later, however, they realized what was happening and started looking for shelter.

Once the suspect fled the scene and they believed it was safe, they sprang into action, McConnell said.

First report of shooting 15 seconds after 3 p.m

Krzysztof Klęczar, voivode of Lesser Poland, said that the first report of the shooting was received 15 seconds after 15 on Saturday and that 40 reports were received to the emergency notification center.

After less than two minutes, the City Guard arrives on site. After less than three minutes, the first police patrol and 30 police units were dispatched. (...) The first patrol begins active intervention after just three minutes - said the voivode at Sunday's press conference.

He said that after four minutes the first emergency medical teams arrived on site, and after five minutes the Fire Brigade began operations.

People who were there also took part in providing first aid, including: two professors, two employees of the university hospital - said Klęczar.

He informed that a total of 1,146 policemen from Małopolska and outside the Małopolska garrison, 24 units of the State Fire Service, and 62 firefighters and rescuers took part in the operation.

The bodies of his family are in the 24-year-old's apartment

The perpetrator is a 24-year-old resident of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. During an exchange of fire with policemen, he was also injured. Doctors describe his condition as critical.