国际英语新闻：Shooting in U.S. state of Connecticut leaves 9 dead

As police tried to clear areas inside the building, a fire was reported inside the building with heavy smoke. It was extinguished about one hour later.

At one point Thornton was reported to be talking to state police, but he eventually shot himself as police approached.

Police said all those shot were employees. Company executive Brett Hollander said the company is "just trying to figure out who 's shot, who's not accounted for." He said 50 to 70 people were inside. Hollander, whose family owns the distributor, said he did not know the shooter well.

Victims were taken to Hartford Hospital by ambulance. Life Star helicopter was standing by, but officials decided ambulances would be faster.

Police from Manchester and nearby towns flooded the area, as reports of an active shooter went out over the police radio.