‘Numerous’ people shot in ‘active shooter’ situation on highway near small town in Kentucky

“Numerous persons” have been shot in an “active shooter” situation around 6 p.m. on Interstate 75 near exit 49 just north of London, Kentucky, officials confirmed Saturday evening. 

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said the highway was closed near the exit, which is nine miles north of London. 

Police had responded to reports that a suspect was shooting at drivers from an overpass or a wooded area, multiple media accounts said. 

Police are still searching for the suspect, Reuters reported. 

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Officials told people to avoid the area.  (Laurel County Sheriff’s Office)

London, around 80 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, has a population of about 7,600. 

Police officers will be escorting ambulance in and out of the area to take shooting victims to hospitals, FOX 56 reported, adding that a police helicopter is available. 

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told people to avoid the area. 

The highway is closed between several exits.  (WDKY)

“Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County,” Beshear said. “Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.”

The governor said he was receiving updates from the Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. “[T]ogether we are actively monitoring the situation and offering support in any way possible. Please pray for everyone involved,” he wrote. 

The highway is closed between exits 41 and 59, FOX 56 reported, citing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. 

London Mayor Randall Weddle also said on his Facebook page to avoid the area. 

London, Kentucky, has a population of about 7,600.  (Fox News)

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Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers Karen Kelly also wrote on Twitter that she was hearing “reports of an active shooter on I75 between exits 49 and 41. Interstate shut down. Shooter in the woods. Pray.”

This story is developing. Please check back for updates. 

Reuters contributed to this report.