Credited from: CBSNEWS
Key takeaways:
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A worker at O'Hare International Airport was critically injured Saturday night following a collision between an aircraft tug and a plane that had just landed. This incident, which occurred at approximately 7:35 p.m. local time, involved Air Wisconsin Flight 6181 as it was taxiing towards the gate. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the tug flipped over upon impact with the wing of the Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft, trapping the driver underneath. The driver, a 64-year-old United Airlines employee, was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, where he remains in serious condition yet stabilized after sustaining injuries to his head and lower body.
According to the Times of India, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew aboard the flight, which had just arrived from Kalamazoo, Michigan. All passengers were safely bused to the terminal following the incident. The Chicago Department of Aviation confirmed that there was no significant impact on airport operations.
In statements made after the accident, an American Airlines representative emphasized that "nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members," while United Airlines stated they are ensuring the injured driver receives the necessary support and care during this challenging time. The FAA is actively investigating the circumstances that led to this collision, which follows a concerning trend of aviation incidents recently, including a mid-air collision near Washington, D.C. that resulted in multiple fatalities.
Officials continue to probe the O'Hare crash with Area Five detectives leading the investigation, seeking to understand the contributing factors behind this alarming event.
For more information on this developing story, please visit ABC News and other news outlets reporting on the situation.