43 toddlers accidentally hurt or killed someone with a gun in 2015

A child holding a gun
(Image credit: iStock)

There were 43 instances this year of someone getting hurt or killed as a result of a toddler accidentally firing a gun, according to an investigation by Christopher Ingraham at The Washington Post. In 13 of those cases, the toddler ended up killing himself or herself; in two of those cases, other people were killed. Ingraham cautions that these numbers are probably an undercount, as incidents resulting in minor injuries are less likely to be reported in the media.

The states with the most incidents in which a toddler accidentally fired a gun are Missouri, Florida, and Texas, with five, four, and three incidents respectively so far this year.

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