A 9-year-old boy trying to protect his younger siblings accidently shot his 7-year-old sister Friday night.

The two children and a 5-year-old brother were alone at a home near 400 West and 800 North in Provo. The children became frightened when someone knocked on the door of the residence around 9:43 p.m.The oldest boy located several guns inside the home, took them into the family room and apparently attempted to load a rifle, when it accidentally discharged, according to a Provo Police press statement.

The bullet hit the floor and shattered, with the fragments striking Courtney Orme, 7, in both legs. A neighbor called police to the scene.

Paramedics took Courtney to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. She was later transported by helicopter to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, where she underwent surgery. She was listed in stable condition on Saturday. A family member told the Deseret News that the "prognosis is good that she'll be able to walk again."

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The children live at 347 N. 800 East, Springville. Their mother, Marta Orme, left the children at the Provo home, which belongs to a friend, while she went to work. The mother believed someone would be there to supervise the children, the family member said.

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