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A Utah Valley University student accidentally discharged a gun stored in his book bag Tuesday afternoon, a university spokesman said.

There were no injuries in the incident, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m. in a busy cafeteria area between UVU's Physical Education and Liberal Arts buildings, Layton Shumway said.

The student was seated in a hallway at tables near a Taco Bell and Jamba Juice. He reached into the book bag and the handgun "discharged on accident," the spokesman said.

The bullet struck a table and a light fixture.

The student had a valid concealed carry permit, Shumway said, allowing him to carry the firearm on UVU or other Utah university campuses.

Officials declined to release additional details Tuesday afternoon, including the student's identity. An investigation is ongoing.

It is the second gun accident on the UVU campus in two years. In May 2015, a cadet's gun went off during a firearms safety class, part of a satellite police academy held in UVU's education building. The bullet caused a minor injury when it grazed another cadet's chest.

Nine states, including Utah, have provisions that allow concealed weapons on college campuses.

Utah is the only state with a law that specifies that public universities don't have the authority to ban concealed weapons if they so choose, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

And more Utah college students may soon be carrying firearms: A bill signed into law by Gov. Gary Herbert last month lowered the minimum age from 21 to 18 for someone to obtain a concealed-carry permit.

Twitter: @lramseth