INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A man was in critical condition Tuesday after accidentally shooting himself in the face, law enforcement authorities said.

Indian River County deputies responded just after 1:30 p.m. to a home in the 1800 block of Easthampton Terrace, in the Cambridge Park neighborhood west of Vero Beach.

The man, who was not identified, was cleaning a handgun when it accidentally discharged, striking him in the face, said sheriff's spokesman Maj. Eric Flowers.

Battalion Chief Kyle Kofke, of Indian River County Fire Rescue, said the man was airlifted in critical condition to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute in Fort Pierce.

No further details were immediately available.

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Eric Rogers is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm and FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact Rogers at 772-978-2224 or eric.rogers@tcpalm.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricRogersFT.

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