A confrontation planned among several youths spiraled into a fatal shooting near a middle school in North Carolina on Monday, resulting in two deaths and several injuries, according to authorities.

The incident occurred shortly after 9:50 a.m. when what was supposed to be a prearranged fight between two juveniles at Leinbach Park, close to Jefferson Middle School in Winston-Salem, erupted into gunfire.

An aerial map provided by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation shows the location of the tragic event in Winston-Salem, where two individuals lost their lives on Monday.

“Upon meeting at the park, the conflict quickly escalated, culminating in a flurry of exchanged gunfire,” stated the Winston-Salem Police Department on X.

Police confirmed that two individuals died and several were injured by gunfire. Authorities have identified several involved parties, including both victims and suspects.

Winston-Salem Police Department Assistant Chief Jason Swaim briefs the media on a shooting near a school that left two people dead Monday morning. (Winston-Salem Police Department)

“Due to the number of people involved, efforts are ongoing to account for everyone. At this time, some of those involved in the incident are juveniles,” police said. 

The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation stressed that the shooting did not happen at the school, but in the nearby park.

The school was open and operating on a normal schedule, police said. 

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