Three Suspects Wanted For Shooting Of Curtin University Students In New Orleans

The hunt is on for three suspects tied to the shooting of two West Australian students in New Orleans.

Yesterday, it was reported that two Curtin University students had been shot and injured during a drug deal gone wrong in the American state of Louisiana.

The male students, aged 21 and 24, were in the United States representing Curtin University at the Intercollegiate Mining Games. The university confirmed in a statement that their involvement in the games had concluded and that the two students had continued on a private holiday.

ABC News now has more details about the incident.

It’s understood the two mining students had initially asked to buy drugs from a stranger in a Bourbon Street bar.

They later got in a car with another unknown male, who drove them to the third unknown male in the Algiers area of New Orleans to complete the transaction.

They were eventually shot by the third stranger when they were unable to produce enough money - about several hundred dollars - during the exchange.

"When they told him they didn't have [the money], the unknown male shot them both and then jumped in the vehicle with the unknown driver and fled the scene," the police statement said.

One of the students was reportedly shot in the chest, while the other took a bullet to the stomach.

They are now recovering from their injuries in hospital. Their families - along with a representative from Curtin University - are now travelling to America to meet with the students.

More news as it develops.

Photo: Twitter / Jade Cunningham.