Seen from above, the head and shoulders of a typical person who is standing has an area of around 0.1 square metres. But because of the various forces acting on a projectile that is fired in this way, the shooter is extremely unlikely to be hit by one of his own bullets as it comes back down.Įven in large cities, people present a small target for a bullet falling vertically. If fired vertically into the air, a bullet can reach a height of up to around 2 miles. This is because injury typically occurs to the head and shoulders rather than to less critical body parts. In September this year, there was a report of 17 deaths and 41 injuries in Kabul, Afghanistan, following gunfire celebrations after the Taliban claimed to have captured the Panjshir valley.Īn individual’s chance of being hit by a falling bullet is small, but if hit, the likelihood of being killed is up to five times greater, at 32 per cent, than it is from a direct gunshot. In the US too, New Year’s Eve sees guns fired into the air, and deaths have occurred in the likes of Maryland, Ohio and Texas.Ĭelebratory gunfire is common in many countries and sadly there are hundreds of documented cases of people being killed and injured by falling bullets. In Puerto Rico, 19 people were injured by celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Eve 2003, and one died. Faster than this, and they can penetrate the skull.Ĭelebratory gunfire can cause injuries that require emergency room treatment and death. Bullets travelling between 46 and 61 m/s penetrate skin.

It will then start falling and accelerate towards the ground under the influence of gravity until it reaches its terminal velocity, which is limited by air resistance.Īccording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falling bullets can hit the ground at speeds greater than 61 metres per second (m/s). Falling bullets cause injuries and deaths.Ī bullet shot straight up into the sky will fly upwards until its initial kinetic energy is exhausted. If you see a soldier shooting into the air, run for shelter first and cringe later.

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