Varanasi: Two airport staff members were injured after a gun carried by an Air India Express passenger accidentally went off during a weapons check at Varanasi airport on Sunday morning.
The passenger, a resident of Azamgarh, was travelling with his wife to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810. He had a pistol and a magazine with him and had reportedly declared the weapons before boarding the flight.
Gun fires during weapons verification
According to Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta, the incident occurred at around 9.30 am when the passenger’s weapon and related documents were being checked.
The passenger and airport staff were present during the verification when the firearm discharged a round.
The bullet initially struck the ground before hitting two AAICLAS screening staff members who were standing nearby.
A woman staff member sustained a gunshot injury to her thigh, while a male colleague suffered an injury to his hand.
Injured staff shifted to hospital
Following the incident, both injured staff members were immediately taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical treatment.
Airport Director Puneet Gupta said both victims were in stable condition and receiving treatment.
Local police were informed about the incident, and an investigation was initiated to establish how the firearm discharged during the weapons verification process.
Passenger had declared weapon
Airport authorities said the passenger had declared the firearm before travelling. The pistol and magazine were being checked along with the relevant documents when the weapon went off.
The circumstances surrounding the discharge are now being examined by the authorities.
The incident occurred during the security process before the passenger could proceed with his journey to Mumbai. Police and airport authorities are expected to examine the weapon, documents and circumstances of the discharge as part of the investigation.
Investigation underway
The airport authorities have confirmed that local police have been informed and that an investigation is underway.
The incident has raised questions about safety procedures during the handling and verification of declared firearms at airports. Authorities will determine the circumstances that led to the weapon discharging while it was being checked.
Despite the firearm discharge, the two injured staff members were reported to be in stable condition. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
