NEWELL, S.D. – The Butte County Sheriff’s Office says an accidental shooting Saturday night sent three people to the hospital.

The incident happened at a rural address west of Newell, where law enforcement and E.M.T.’s responded and found several people present.

Authorities say all individuals involved were known to one another, and three people were transported to the Monument Health Hospital in Sturgis with gunshot wounds.

The conditions, ages and names of the three people were not released, and Butte County Sheriff Fred Lamphere says out of respect for the victims and their families, they would not be releasing that information at this time.

He says although the investigation remains ongoing, there is currently no threat or danger to the public.

Lamphere, in a press released, stated “this tragic incident serves as an important reminder to always practice and follow proper firearm safety.”