A tragic shooting on a rural property in the western part of Bermuda has been ruled an accidental incident involving a local chicken exterminator. Police recovered a firearm that the employee had been using to remove a flock of free‑roaming chickens when a stray shot struck a visiting neighbour. The victim, a 58‑year‑old resident of St. George’s Parish, suffered severe injuries and was flown to the Royal National Hospital in Hamilton, where he is currently in critical but stable condition.

The Bermuda Police Service confirmed that the shooting occurred during a routine pest‑control operation. They stated that the operator had been following standard procedures, but a misfire caused the projectile to leave the intended trajectory. An internal review will assess whether the safety protocols of the extermination business were adequately followed.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident,” said Police Commissioner Hugh B. L. Sandiford. “The investigation is ongoing, and we will cooperate fully with any inquiries into the circumstances that led to this accident.”

Chicken farming, while not a major industry in Bermuda, has grown in recent years on private estates and small farms. The incident has prompted the Bermuda Ministry of Agriculture to issue a reminder to all pest‑control operators to adhere strictly to firearms regulations and to ensure proper training and safety checks.

The community is mourning the loss of a familiar neighbour, while authorities urge all residents to remain vigilant about safety in rural settings.