Two friends from Scotland have described running for their lives during a shooting in Krakow that left six people dead, before emerging from hiding to find bodies around them. Ciaran McMenemy, 26, and Charlie Hutchison, 27, were on a weekend break in the Polish city when a gunman opened fire in the historic Main Market Square.
Holiday turns to chaos
The pair had been sightseeing and shopping before stopping for a drink at an outdoor bar, unaware they were sitting close to where the attacker had entered the square. They had only just settled at their table when they heard a series of loud bangs, initially believing they were fireworks before realising the shots were growing louder and closer.
Writing on TikTok, Ciaran said: "Traumatised is an understatement, and I don't think either of us have fully processed what happened. Everything happened so quickly. [It was] absolute chaos. People throwing themselves onto the floor, others desperately running for cover. Tables and chairs being knocked over, people falling and getting trampled in the panic. We ran out into the street, having absolutely no idea whether we were running towards or away from the danger."
Hiding and emerging to the aftermath
The pair escaped into a nearby courtyard and apartment block, hiding in a stairwell as the gunfire unfolded. The reality of the situation sank in when Charlie turned to Ciaran and asked: "Did you see that man that got shot?" They remained hidden for around 10 minutes before deciding it was safe to come out after noticing emergency services swarming the square and an air ambulance circling overhead.
Ciaran said: "What we saw when we came back out is something I will never forget. Bodies lying on the ground, pools of blood and scenes that I genuinely never imagined I would witness, never mind experience first-hand."
Attack details and aftermath
The Scots initially feared there could be multiple gunmen after hearing around 20 shots ring out. The attack left six people dead - four women and two men - including a British national. A further 16 people were taken to hospital. The suspected gunman, who was shot by armed police during the incident, later died in hospital. Police said he had driven around the area firing at random people from his vehicle. Three members of the suspect's family - his mother, father and sister - were also found dead at their home.
Ciaran and Charlie had originally been due to fly home later that week but, shaken by the experience, managed to secure the last two seats on a flight back to Edinburgh. Ciaran said: "We are incredibly grateful to be home, safe and together. But my heart absolutely breaks for the victims, their loved ones and everyone who witnessed what happened. One minute you're enjoying a holiday, making memories and laughing together, and the next you're genuinely fearing for your life."
Poland's Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz described the shooting as an "act of terror" against the people of Krakow. Ciaran added: "Please don't take a single day, a moment with your loved ones or simply feeling safe for granted."
