A passenger's handgun unexpectedly discharged during a security check at Varanasi airport on Sunday, resulting in injuries to two airport staffers. The incident took place around 9:30 AM while airport personnel were verifying the weapon and its accompanying documents.
Incident Details at Varanasi Airport
The passenger, hailing from Azamgarh, was traveling with his wife to Mumbai aboard Air India Express flight IX-1810. He had properly declared the pistol and a magazine he was carrying prior to the security process. According to Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta, the gun went off during the verification, with both the passenger and airport staff present.
Staffers Injured During Weapon Check
The bullet initially struck the ground before ricocheting and hitting two AAICLAS screeners who were standing nearby. A female staffer suffered a gunshot wound to her thigh, while a male colleague sustained an injury to his hand. Both individuals were promptly transported to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical attention. Director Gupta confirmed that their conditions were stable following treatment.
Local police have been informed of the incident, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the accidental discharge.