An alleged plan by two teenagers to attack a South Australian school with firearms and explosives could have been a massacre, Premier Jay Weatherill says.
"We could have been dealing with a massacre, an extraordinary catastrophe in South Australia and it has been averted," Mr Weatherill told ABC radio on Thursday.
"The risk has been completely eliminated because we have a strong community and police force."
Police on Wednesday outlined an alleged plan by a 16-year-old and 18-year-old to attack a Riverland school and said there would have been significant casualties if students had not come forward.
"We're extremely grateful to those students who came to us with this information," Detective Superintendent Des Bray said.
The principal of the school has also been praised by Education Minister Susan Close, for keeping parents informed over the alleged plot.
"I have to pay tribute to the principal who has in this case shown extraordinary leadership and a very steady hand," Ms Close said.
The minister outlined counselling would be provided to teachers and students at the school.
The 16-year-old will face court on December 5, charged with soliciting to kill and police will oppose bail.
The 18-year-old will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in January charged with aggravated counts of threatening to kill.
