Two Airport Staffers Injured After Gun Discharges During Security Check at Varanasi Airport
Two airport personnel sustained injuries on Wednesday morning at Varanasi airport after a firearm brought by a passenger discharged during a standard weapons check before an Air India Express departure to Mumbai. Airport officials confirmed that both injured staff members were immediately hospitalised and are currently in stable condition.
What Happened
The event occurred at approximately 9:30 am when a passenger, who was scheduled to travel with his wife on Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai, declared a firearm for carriage on board the aircraft. In line with protocol, airport staff and the passenger were present to review the firearm and verify its associated documentation.
According to Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta, who spoke to news agency ANI, the weapon discharged during the verification procedure. The fired round first struck the ground before hitting two screeners employed by AAICLAS who were standing close by.
The impact injured both personnel: a female staff member sustained a gunshot wound to her thigh, while a male colleague suffered an injury to his hand. Both workers were promptly transported to the New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical attention, where Director Gupta confirmed they are in stable condition. Local police authorities were notified immediately following the discharge, and an official investigation into the incident has been initiated.
Key Highlights
- Time and Flight: The incident took place at around 9:30 am during pre-boarding procedures for Air India Express flight IX-1810 bound for Mumbai.
- Weapon Declaration: A male passenger travelling alongside his wife formally declared the firearm on board prior to screening.
- The Discharge: The pistol went off while personnel were actively checking the gun and its documentation; the bullet ricocheted off the ground.
- Injuries Reported: Two AAICLAS screeners were struck—a female staffer in the thigh and a male staffer in the hand.
- Medical Status: Both employees were admitted to New Laxmi Trauma Centre and are reported to be in stable condition.
- Police Action: Local police have been informed and an inquiry is underway.
Why This Matters
When passengers declare firearms for air travel, specialized verification protocols are conducted by aviation security personnel to examine documentation and ensure the weapon is made safe for transport. The discharge of a live weapon during this check directly impacted the AAICLAS screening team tasked with handling verification, highlighting the critical nature of safe weapon-handling practices during mandatory pre-flight declarations.
What to Watch Next
With local police officially notified, the ongoing investigation is expected to establish the exact circumstances under which the firearm discharged during the verification process. Updates on the health of the two hospitalised AAICLAS staff members and findings from local authorities will determine subsequent legal and procedural actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the incident occur?
The firearm discharged at approximately 9:30 am at Varanasi airport during a weapons and document verification process.
Which flight was the passenger booked on?
The passenger and his wife were scheduled to travel on Air India Express flight IX-1810 travelling to Mumbai.
Who was injured in the incident?
Two AAICLAS screeners stationed nearby sustained injuries: a woman suffered a gunshot wound to her thigh and a man was injured in the hand. Both are in stable condition at New Laxmi Trauma Centre.
What is the status of the investigation?
Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta stated that local police have been alerted and an active investigation into the discharge is underway.
Source: Reported via ANI and Business Today.