Tragedy struck Brown University as a shooting in one of its engineering buildings resulted in at least two deaths and left eight others injured, according to a law enforcement official.

The prestigious Ivy League institution promptly issued an active shooter alert, advising students and staff to find shelter during what was the second day of final exams.

Authorities have not yet provided specific details regarding the victims’ conditions or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, the official shared the grim details of the event with the Associated Press.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the fatalities and reported that eight additional individuals sustained injuries in the attack.

It is understood the injured have been taken to hospital, where they remain in a stable condition.

Police confirmed in a press conference they are looking for a male suspect who left the scene on foot.

University officials initially told students and staff that a suspect was in custody, before later saying that was not the case and that police were still searching for a suspect or suspects, according to alerts issued through Brown’s emergency notification system.

The reported shooting occurred near the Barus & Holley building, a seven-story complex that houses the university’s School of Engineering and physics department.

According to the university’s website, the building includes more than 100 laboratories, dozens of classrooms and offices.

Engineering design exams were under way in the building when the shooting occurred.

A police officer warned members of the media to take cover in vehicles because the area was still an active scene.

“We’re still getting information about what’s going on, but we’re just telling people to lock their doors and to stay vigilant,” said Providence Councilmember John Goncalves, whose ward includes the Brown campus.

“As a Brown alum, someone who loves the Brown community and represents this area, I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to all the family members and the folks who’ve been impacted.”

Officers carrying assault weapons and emergency vehicles lined many of the streets surrounding the engineering school.

Officials were still gathering information, said Kristy DosReis, chief public information officer for the city.

“God bless the victims and the families of the victims!” he said on his social media site.

The Ivy League school is a private, non-profit institution with about 7300 undergraduates and just over 3000 graduate students, according to its website.

Saturday was the second day of final exams for the fall semester.