A 14-year-old boy in Keningau died after being accidentally shot by a friend with a homemade firearm
PETALING JAYA: A teenage boy has lost his life following an accidental shooting incident in Keningau, Sabah. The 14-year-old was fatally wounded when a friend of the same age discharged a homemade firearm during what began as an innocent game of hide-and-seek.
According to Berita Harian, the incident occurred yesterday morning at a residence on Jalan Kem PPH. Keningau police chief Yampil Anak Garai said the tragedy unfolded when the two teenagers were playing together.
Authorities learned that one boy had been carrying a locally-made shotgun, referred to as a bakakuk, outside the residence. His friend reportedly requested to hold the weapon in jest. During their game, the victim concealed himself beneath the house structure when the firearm was accidentally discharged.
The shot struck the hiding teenager, causing the other boy to immediately panic and call for assistance from nearby residents. The injured teen was quickly transported to a medical facility but succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the emergency department.
Medical personnel documented multiple gunshot injuries across the victim’s body, including wounds to his chest, arm, knee, and torso—totaling 14 separate injuries on the right chest area, right arm, knee, and left torso.
Following the incident, investigators discovered that the weapon had been concealed by the shooter’s younger brother, aged 13. The homemade firearm belonged to the boys’ 70-year-old father.
Law enforcement has since taken three individuals into custody: the 14-year-old who discharged the weapon, his 13-year-old sibling, and their elderly father. Officers also confiscated the firearm, ammunition both live and spent, clothing evidence, and two mobile devices.
The investigation is proceeding under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which addresses cases involving death.
