Husband accidentally shoots wife in the mouth with a harpoon

Brazilian health officials say a 28-year-old woman miraculously survived after her husband accidentally shot her in the mouth with a harpoon.

The Rio de Janeiro State Health Department said in a statement that the woman's husband was cleaning his spear gun when it went off, firing a harpoon that hit her cervical spine.

Elisangela Borborema Rosa was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

The statement quotes neurosurgeon Allan da Costa as saying that the harpoon came within less than half an inch of killing the woman.

He said he expects a full recovery.

A police officer in Arrial do Cabo said by telephone that officials are looking into the case.