According to authorities, the incident took place at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital in San Antonio.
Three children, aged 3, 2, and 10 months, along with a woman, were sitting inside the vehicle when one of the older children discovered a rifle in the trunk and accidentally discharged it, striking the infant.
Despite efforts by first responders, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene. The 10-month-old has been identified as Khamari Khols Lang, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus called the event a “terrible, terrible tragedy” during a press briefing.
The relationship between the woman and the children has not been confirmed, but local reports suggest that the children were siblings and were at the hospital for an appointment.
As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with the infant’s death.