Authorities say that three people were injured after being hit by shotgun pellets in central Minnesota in an accidental shooting.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says that the incident took place in the 36000 block of County Road 171 in Melrose Township.

Authorities say a family member was clay pigeon shooting when the incident took place.

A 20-gauge shotgun reportedly went off striking a group of people 20-30 feet away. Several of the pellets struck a 4-year-old, 9-year-old and 67-year-old.

The two children were taken to St. Cloud Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The 67-year-old victim was taken to Sauk Centre Hospital and released. 

The incident remains under investigation.