Boy, 11, critical after accidentally shooting self in face in South Philly

A boy in South Philadelphia is in critical condition this morning after accidentally shooting himself in the face. Police are trying to figure out how he got hold of the gun.

The child is critical at CHOP but is expected to survive. The incident took place just before 12:30 a.m. Thursday on the 2600 block of Hicks Street where the 11-year-old boy lives.

Chief Inspector Scott Small of the Philadelphia Police Department says the boy's parents and four siblings were home at the time. When officers arrived, they discovered that a child was transported in a private vehicle to Methodist Hospital after being shot in the face with a revolver. The boy was then moved to CHOP for treatment.

Police say the shooting happened in the victim's parents' second-floor bedroom. At this time, police believe this was an accident shooting, though it is unknown how the child got his hands on the gun.

Detectives are now interviewing family members to get more information. The oldest child in the home is only 13.

Police say they recovered the revolver, as well as bullets, from the scene. Detectives also went door-to-door questioning neighbors early Thursday morning.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 29 for updates.