Accident at O’Hare Airport: Driver hospitalized after tug vehicle hit by airplane wing
An airplane wing struck a tug vehicle at O’Hare International Airport, leaving the driver hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.
CHICAGO – An airplane wing struck a tug vehicle at O’Hare International Airport, leaving the driver hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.
Accident at O’Hare International Airport
What we know:
The incident occurred around 6:35 p.m. Saturday when Air Wisconsin Flight 6181, an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-200, was struck by the tug vehicle while approaching a gate, according to the FAA.
The wing of the aircraft struck the United Airlines tug vehicle as it crossed the taxiway, officials said.
The collision caused the tug vehicle to flip over, pinning the driver underneath.
Chicago police said the driver, a 64-year-old man, was transported to Lutheran General Hospital in critical condition but has since stabilized. He suffered head and lower body injuries.
No injuries were reported among the aircraft’s passengers.
The passengers exited the plane safely and were bused to the terminal, the FAA said.
The flight had departed from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Michigan before arriving in Chicago.
What we don’t know:
The driver’s name has not been released, and further details are limited.
Officials said the NTSB is going to be notified of the incident. The board has not yet issued a statement.
What they’re saying:
“After safely landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), American Eagle flight 6181, operated by Air Wisconsin from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) to ORD, came into contact with a tug on an active taxiway. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members, and we are reviewing this incident,” American Airlines said.
“Air Wisconsin Flight 6181 was struck by a tug while approaching the gate at Chicago O’Hare International Airport around 7:35 p.m. local time on Saturday, Feb. 1. The passengers deplaned and were bused to the terminal. The Bombardier CRJ-200 departed from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Michigan. The FAA will investigate,” the FAA said.
“On Saturday evening, a United tug at O’Hare made contact with another airline’s aircraft while it was taxiing. The United employee was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, and we are ensuring he receives any necessary support and care,” United Airlines said.
What’s next:
The crash had no significant impact on airport operations, according to officials.
The investigation is still ongoing.
We’ll bring more updates to this story as they become available.