A commotion broke out at Varanasi Airport on the morning of 16 August when a loaded firearm carried by an Air India passenger accidentally discharged inside the facility. The bullet struck the terminal floor before ricocheting and hitting two airport personnel standing nearby. Both individuals sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to a local medical facility for treatment.
Accidental Discharge During Security Inspection
According to airport authorities, the passenger, hailing from Azamgarh, was preparing to board Air India flight IX-1810 to Mumbai alongside his wife. Prior to boarding, the traveler had formally declared the presence of his pistol and magazine to airport staff in accordance with standard carriage regulations. At approximately 9:30 AM, while security personnel were inspecting the weapon and verifying credentials, a single round was unintentionally fired from the handgun.
Impact and Condition of the Injured
The discharged round hit the concrete floor and ricocheted into two individuals stationed near the inspection counter. The injured parties were identified as AAICLAS security screeners, comprising a female airport staff member and a young male worker. Airport security and medical teams acted swiftly to control the area and administer first aid.
Police Notification and Ongoing Probe
Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital, where attending doctors confirmed that their injuries were non-life-threatening and both remain out of danger. Local police authorities were promptly alerted to the incident and have initiated an official investigation to determine the precise circumstances that led to the weapon discharging during the inspection process.
