A United Airlines employee was severely injured after his vehicle at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport allegedly collided with the wing of a plane.
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Per a report by the New York Post, a 64-year-old United Airlines worker is in critical condition in a hospital after his 'aircraft tug vehicle' was struck by the wing of a plane. Tug vehicles are typically used to position and tow planes around hangers and airports. A statement by the FAA explains that on February 1, Air Wisconsin Flight 6181 struck a tug while approaching the gate at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The incident occurred in the evening at around 7:35 pm. Passengers were reportedly deplaned and bused to the terminal, and authorities are investigating the incident.
The tug vehicle was allegedly driving across the runway when the wing of an American Airlines plane clipped it. The American Eagle 6181 flight had just arrived after departing from Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport, Michigan.
The Plane Hit The Tug Vehicle With Enough Force To Flip It, Pinning The Driver
According to Fox8, the impact was so severe that it caused the tug vehicle to flip, trapping the driver underneath. Emergency Services reportedly took the 64-year-old to Lutheran General Hospital in critical condition, with injuries to his head and lower body. Police say that he is now in a stable condition.
CBS reports the plane was heading to a gate when it hit the tug and that no passengers were injured. The Chicago Department of Aviation added, "There was no significant impact on airport operations." A spokesperson for American Airlines explained, "Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members, and we are reviewing this incident."
The accident with the tug echoes another recent incident from January. An American Airlines employee was struck by an airport ramp car at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The employee was reportedly working on a plane apron when a ramp vehicle hit them. Emergency services quickly arrived, but the worker was pronounced dead at the scene following the impact. Authorities confirmed that the airport ramp car was the only vehicle involved.
