Two security screeners were injured at Varanasi airport on August 16 after a passenger travelling to Mumbai accidentally fired a round from a firearm during a routine weapons inspection, officials said. The passenger, identified by News18 as Kamlesh Rai of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, was travelling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX-1810; the firearm was reported to be licensed and the discharge occurred at about 9:30 AM, according to the report.
The two AAICLAS screeners hit by the round were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. One, a woman, sustained a gunshot wound to her foot; the other, a male screener, suffered an injury to his thumb. Airport authorities confirmed both employees were hospitalised following the incident.
Airport officials said the passenger had declared that he was carrying a weapon before boarding and that the weapon discharged during the subsequent security check. The exact circumstances that led to the accidental firing were not immediately clear, and the airport director’s statement did not specify the type of firearm involved.
Local police were informed and an investigation has been launched to determine how the weapon was discharged during the screening process and whether all required safety procedures were followed. Airport authorities did not immediately say whether the passenger was allowed to board the flight or whether any action had been taken against him.
While officials have described the incident as accidental, investigators will examine handling protocols for declared weapons at the sensitive stage of security screening. The case highlights the risks inherent in inspecting firearms at airports and the importance of strict adherence to safety procedures.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/varanasi-airport-firing-passenger-accidentally-fires-gun-during-weapons-check-2-screeners-injured-14038532.html
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2026-08-16 13:23:00
