The officer was reportedly trying to hand his gun to the pilot - as protocol dictates - when it accidentally discharged in front of terrified passengers
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Getty Vueling plane The Vueling plane was reportedly delayed after a police officer's gun went off inside the cabin (file picture)
A packed holiday flight from Ibiza was delayed on the tarmac after a police officer's gun accidentally went off inside the cabin, it is reported.
The Vueling aircraft was preparing to depart for Madrid-Barajas Airport in Spain when the weapon discharged in front of terrified passengers.
Fortunately, the bullet shot into the unidentified officer's luggage, missing both him and surrounding fliers, according to local media.
The incident delayed Flight VY3420 for half an hour, with engineers called in to check no damage had been done to the plane .
Passengers said a number of National Police agents were on board the aircraft, which was due to leave Ibiza Airport at 1.15pm on Saturday. Wikipedia The flight was due to leave Ibiza Airport (pictured) at 1.15pm on Saturday The flight was due to leave Ibiza Airport (pictured) at 1.15pm on Saturday
Protocol dictates officers are required to hand over their guns to the pilot.
However, as one of them went to do so, the weapon accidentally discharged inside his suitcase, local newspaper Ultimahora.es reports.
Luckily, the bullet struck the inside of the case and did not leave it.
"Two passengers did see what was going on," the newspaper reports. "Fortunately the bullet fired from the gun did not leave the case."
No-one is believed to have been hurt in the incident.
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The agent and his colleagues had been asked by the captain to hand over their guns for safekeeping in the cockpit until the flight arrived in Madrid.
The officer subsequently moved to the side of the aircraft, away from passengers, and opened his case to remove his weapon and bullets, it is reported.
But moments later, his gun apparently discharged inside the luggage, causing the smell of gunpowder to spread through the cabin.
Engineers were called in to check the plane for any damage after the accidental shooting.
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The aircraft was cleared for take off half an hour later.
The incident was also reported by Noudiario.es , which said: "No-one was wounded, although the sound of the shot and the smell of gunpowder sparked unrest among the passengers."
When contacted by Mirror Online, a Vueling spokesperson said the incident was a 'minor' one 'without further consequences for the passengers and crew' or the plane.
They added that the police officers followed the security procedures.
It would appear that this hero should not possess firearms. He should be demoted to school crossing guard, or meter maid. Or maybe, just washing cruisers.