Boy, 12, injured after gun 'explodes' in his face at Ararimu property

The incident happened in Turner Rd, Ararimu, in South Auckland, last night. Photo / Google Maps

A 12-year boy has injuries to his neck and face after a firearm "exploded" while he was handling it.

The incident happened on Turner Rd in Ararimu, south of Auckland, about 8.30pm yesterday.

Shortly afterwards, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the scene, which airlifted the child to hospital.

"Enquiries have established that the young male was on the property handling a firearm used for hunting when it appears to have accidentally exploded while he was handling it," Detective Senior Sergeant Veronica McPherson said.

"As a result the victim has sustained moderate injuries to his neck and face caused by shrapnel from the firearm."

The occupants at the address were licenced firearm holders.

"Police are not seeking anyone in relation to this incident, which appears to be an unfortunate accident as a result of a faulty firearm," McPherson said.

'THEY WERE BOYS AND FATHERS TOGETHER':

The incident happened next door to a camp site, the Chosen Valley Christian Camp.

A worker who did not want to be named told the Herald: "The shooting happened in the house I grew up in - that's in our old farmhouse.

"We've been told it was accidental. They were basically boys and fathers together - they go shooting rabbits here on the farm."

The worker said he knew the parents of the child involved.

He acknowledged that it was very normal for people in the area to be handling firearms.

"Because, you know, farming community out there - even my son goes out shooting," he said.

A statement from the rescue helicopter service this morning said the boy was flown to Starship Children's Hospital in a critical condition.

"Crew was tasked to Ararimu to assist a boy suffering a traumatic injury," it said.

The injuries have since been downgraded.

Yesterday, a police statement said officers were investigating the circumstances of the incident but did not believe them to be suspicious.