VARANASI: Airport security procedures turned alarming at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning when a round was accidentally discharged from a passenger’s firearm during a routine weapons check, leaving two screening personnel injured.
The incident occurred at around 9:30 am as a passenger travelling with his wife was preparing to board Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai. The passenger had declared the firearm before the journey, and airport personnel were carrying out the required inspection of the weapon and its documents when the round went off.
Two AAICLAS screeners involved in the checking process were injured in the incident. According to reports, one of the injured personnel suffered an injury to the leg, while another sustained an injury to the hand. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical treatment. Their condition was reported to be stable.
The passenger, reported to be a resident of Azamgarh, was travelling to Mumbai with his wife. Initial reports indicate that he had declared the firearm and its ammunition, and the discharge occurred while airport staff were examining the weapon.
Airport authorities immediately informed the local police following the incident. Senior police officials also reached the airport as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge and the procedures followed during the weapon inspection.
The incident has raised questions about the safety precautions involved in handling declared firearms during airport screening. Authorities are now examining the weapon, the circumstances of the discharge and the sequence of events that led to the injuries.
Officials have so far described the incident as an accidental discharge during the weapons-check process. The investigation will determine the precise circumstances and whether any further action is required.
Further details are expected as the police and airport authorities continue their inquiry.
