Watch CBS News

Young Girl Killed In Apparent Accidental Shooting Inside Kingsessing Home, Police Say

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A little girl was shot and killed in what Philadelphia police say appears to be an accidental shooting. It happened around 9:30 p.m. Thursday inside a home on the 5500 block of Whitby Avenue in Kingsessing.

Police say the child, who is approximately 10 years old, was shot in the head.

She was rushed to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where she died.

On Friday, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw released a statement, saying in part, "Less than one week after meeting with family in the hospital of a 10-year-old child who died as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot, another 10-year-old has died in a similar fashion."

Commissioner Outlaw added, "These tragedies are completely preventable, and it is the responsibility of adults to keep guns out of the hands of our kids. Never leave guns unattended or easily accessible - we must do everything possible to ensure that our children are safe in their homes."

Deputy Police Commissioner Robin Wimberly said Thursday tragedies like this are happening too often.

"This is the second child in less than a week to die from an accidental gunshot wound. We all have the right to bear arms in our home but we also have to be responsible," Wimberly said.

Investigators say there were other people in the home when the shooting happened.

For a list of gun violence resources in Philadelphia, click here.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.