Varanasi: Two airport staff members were injured after a gun carried by an Air India Express passenger went off during a weapons check at Varanasi airport on Sunday morning.
The passenger, who is from Azamgarh, was travelling with his wife to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810. He had a pistol and magazine with him and had declared the weapons before boarding.
Gun fires during document verification
According to Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta, the firearm and its documents were being checked when the weapon went off at around 9.30 am on August 16.
The passenger and airport staff were present during the verification. The bullet initially struck the ground before hitting two AAICLAS screeners who were standing nearby.
A woman staff member suffered a gunshot injury to her thigh, while a male staff member sustained an injury to his hand.
Injured staff in stable condition
Both injured employees were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Airport authorities said their condition was stable and they were undergoing treatment.
Local police were informed about the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accidental firing during the weapons check.
The incident has raised concerns over safety procedures during the handling and verification of firearms at airports, though authorities have not indicated any deliberate act by the passenger.