A tragic ricochet incident at a Brazilian shooting range claimed the life of a 36-year-old man. Investigations are underway, and safety precautions for firearm training are receiving renewed attention.
PLANALTINA, DF, BRAZIL (2-minute read) — A 36-year-old man, Diego dos Santos Ribeiro, tragically lost his life at a shooting range in Planaltina, DF, Brazil, after a bullet reportedly ricocheted and struck him in the chest. Ribeiro, a registered shooter and licensed as a hunter and collector, was participating in training when the incident occurred.
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Security footage captured the exact moment of the accident. The video shows Ribeiro firing a shot, only for the bullet to bounce back, hitting him in the chest. After the impact, he managed to walk for a few seconds before collapsing. Distressed range instructors quickly attempted to aid him, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on-site.
Emergency responders, including the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) and the Fire Department, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the accident, but Ribeiro was pronounced dead upon their arrival.
Diego Ribeiro was known in the community as a tattoo artist and body piercer and was deeply involved in hunting and shooting sports. His tragic passing has brought heightened attention to firearm training protocols and range safety standards, especially regarding the use of steel targets, which can cause ricochets if not properly angled.
While a ricochet of this nature is rare, it’s still always advisable to angle any steel targets down. Additionally, maintaining ranges so that rocks and other hard objects aren’t located behind the firing line; other objects that can cause ricochet.
Safety Tip: When setting up steel targets, always angle them downward to reduce the risk of ricochet. Targets should never be positioned at a 90-degree angle to the shooter, as this can cause bullets to rebound directly back. Additionally, shooters and bystanders should always wear eye and ear protection to minimize injuries from fragments or debris.
