BOSTON — America’s “safest city” just keeps getting safer.

At 1:21 p.m. Saturday, police say three people were shot on Hiawatha Road in Mattapan — one left in traumatic arrest, according to sources. Traumatic arrest is a medical term used when a victim’s heart stops because of catastrophic injuries, often from gunfire or massive blood loss. In plain English: paramedics are fighting to bring someone back to life.

Moments after the shots rang out, yellow tape whipped in the wind as cruisers sealed off the quiet street. Detectives combed for shell casings while stunned neighbors peered from windows, some whispering they thought it was fireworks — until they saw people drop.

Police are now searching for two suspects who fled on a scooter, according to scanner traffic.

All three victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, at least one clinging to life, police said. The afternoon shooting is just the latest in a string of violence that’s left officers bloodied and a police cruiser torched, while Mayor Michelle Wu continues to insist Boston is “the safest major city in America.”

From the Common to Mattapan, the city’s so-called safety record is being tested — one flashing siren at a time.

This is a developing story.