3-year-old boy killed when his grandmother’s gun was accidentally fired in bed

The grandmother, who works as a security guard in New Orleans, said the gun was under her pillow

The toddler was rushed to the hospital where he died (WVUE Fox 8 Deven Clarke)

A 3-year-old boy was killed while he was sleeping in bed when his grandmother's gun was accidentally fired.

The 45-year-old grandmother, who works as a security guard in New Orleans, said they were sleeping with the gun beneath her pillow, according to local news website NOLA.com.

The shooting occurred just after 2am on Wednesday night, according to the New Orleans Police Department.

Her grandson was shot in the chest and was rushed to hospital, where he died. The police said the grandmother is being questioned and the investigation is ongoing.

It is not yet known what caused the gun to fire.

The names of the victim and his grandmother have not yet been released.