An encounter with a grizzly bear resulted in an attack on a group of schoolchildren and teachers along a walking path in British Columbia, Canada, leaving 11 individuals injured, including two with critical injuries.

The incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon in the area of Bella Coola, situated approximately 700 kilometers (or 435 miles) northwest of Vancouver. According to the Nuxalk Nation, the “aggressive bear” was still at large by Thursday evening, prompting a response from police and conservation officers.

The First Nation issued a warning on social media advising, “Officers are armed. Remain indoors and off the highway.”

Emergency Health Services representative Brian Twaites reported that two individuals sustained critical injuries, while another two were seriously hurt. The remaining victims received medical attention at the location.

Veronica Schooner, a parent, recounted how numerous individuals attempted to intervene during the attack. She noted that a male teacher, who bore the brunt of the assault, was among those airlifted from the site.

Schooner’s 10-year-old son Alvarez was in the class of fourth- and fifth-graders that was attacked and was so close to the animal “he even felt its fur,” she said.

“He said that bear ran so close to him, but it was going after somebody else,” Schooner said.

She added that some children were hit with bear spray as the teachers fought off the bear and Alvarez was limping and his shoes muddy from running for safety. Her son’s thoughts, however, were with his classmates.

“He keeps crying for his friends, and oh my goodness, right away he started praying for his friends,” she added.

Acwsalcta School, an independent school run by Nuxalk First Nation in Bella Coola, said in a Facebook post that the school will be closed on Friday and counseling made available.

“It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students,” the post said.