unusual event; accident; emergency; calamity
Refers to an unexpected, often serious incident or disaster. Slightly formal or written, used in news or official contexts.
An unusual incident occurred in front of the station last night.
We conducted an evacuation drill in preparation for emergencies.
Compound of 変 (unusual, strange) and 事 (matter, event). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning 'unusual event'.