An unusual accident occurred in front of a convenience store in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where a dog accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun inside a truck and ended up injuring a woman who was nearby.

The incident occurred on Saturday around 12:07 p.m. in front of the Short Stop store, according to police reports cited by local media.

The owner of the vehicle had entered the store

According to the Scottsbluff Police Department, the owner of the truck had entered the establishment while another person remained outside, next to the passenger door.

At that moment, the dog that was sitting in the back seat jumped from one side of the vehicle to the other and accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun that was inside.

Authorities indicated that the shot hit the passenger side door.

The detonation caused a woman, who was waiting at a nearby traffic light with her arm resting outside the window of her vehicle, to be hit by one of the pellets in her right arm.

The victim was taken to Regional West Medical Center for medical treatment. Authorities indicated that his injuries are not life-threatening.

Police recalled the importance of gun safety

The case remains under investigation by the Scottsbluff Police Department.

Authorities recalled that Nebraska state law prohibits transporting a loaded shotgun inside a vehicle.

In addition, they insisted that the incident represents a reminder about the importance of maintaining adequate security measures when handling, transporting or storing firearms.

Although the event has generated surprise, it is not the first time that a similar accident has occurred in the United States.

Last November, a man in Pennsylvania reported being accidentally injured by his dog after the animal activated a shotgun while jumping on a bed where the gun had been placed.