(Illustration)
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An eight-year-old boy was shot and killed Saturday in a tragic accident involving a children’s game. The incident took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States.

Eight-year-old Sammy Lorenzo and his brothers were playing at an uncle’s house when they found a loaded gun. The boys believed the gun was a toy “BB gun” and began playing with it.

One of the boys pulled the trigger, hitting Sammy in the chest. The horrified family called for help and Sammy was rushed to hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.

Police said none of the children involved will face charges. However, they did not rule out the possibility that adults involved may face criminal charges.

In January, a 4-year-old boy was fatally shot by his 4-year-old cousin in a similar incident in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States. The two children had been playing with a loaded gun which they found at a relative’s home.

Three adults faced criminal charges in that case, including charges of involuntary manslaughter.

In the United States, private citizens are allowed to purchase guns and keep them at home. Various restrictions may apply based on state of residence. Adults who own guns can be charged for failing to adhere to gun safety guidelines, including keeping their weapons out of the reach of children.