The death of a child is heartbreaking in any circumstances. But when the life of a 3-year-old little girl is snuffed out by a gun accident, it is especially tragic and saddening.
When young children and guns come together, there is an invitation to terrible consequences.
Children often have a great fascination with guns, not realizing the danger in handling them. That's why guns always should be kept in ways and places to make it absolutely impossible for children to come into dangerous gun possession.
But in a case in Chattanooga this week, a child somehow got a loaded gun and was playing with it. The weapon fired. The bullet struck another child in the chest, causing her death.
Who can imagine the heartbreak of all, young and old, who are affected by such a terrible accident?
This was the kind of tragic loss from which there is no recovery. It is obviously too late for prevention in this case. But for all of us, this shock should be a warning to every household. Adults should check their weapons. No firearm -- or, for that matter, no potentially dangerous medicine or substance of any kind -- should be kept in any place where danger to children, or adults, could occur.
Life is so precious. Every precaution should be taken to avoid any kind of tragic result.
