RCMP in northern Alberta are investigating a child’s death, after a firearm accidentally discharged late Monday morning.
Police said officers were called to an acreage south of Grande Cache at about 10:45 a.m. Monday on reports that a firearm had been accidentally discharged.
Officials said two children under the age of 12 were handling the firearm when it went off.
A family member told CTV News a 10-year-old boy was accidentally shot by his 7-year-old brother.
The boy was taken to hospital where he later died.
“I know there was an adult presence at the property, but I don’t know exactly where,” RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Josee Valiquette said. “There was no adult in the room when this occurred.”
Meanwhile, the community is shaken - Grande Cache Mayor Herb Castle told CTV News a number of people were distressed by what happened.
“The few people that I’ve had contact with so far and discussed this are very saddnened by the tragedy by two young people, and it completely being by accident,” Castle said. “It’s just devastating for people, particularly with children involved.”
No charges have been laid at this point, RCMP are still investigating.
With files from Brenna Rose
