A 64 year old airport tug truck driver at O'Hare International Airport was left critically injured after a collision with an aircraft on Saturday evening. The Air Wisconsin flight 6181, operating as American Eagle for American Airlines, was crossing a runway to approach a gate when it's wing collided with the airport vehicle.
The impact caused the tug to overturn, trapping the driver underneath. He was quickly rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in critical condition with head and lower body injuries, but has since been stabilised, according to police.
The incident occurred around 7 p. m, with no passengers or crew aboard the aircraft harmed. Passengers were safely evacuated and transported to the terminal by bus.
Detectives from Area Five are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. The flight had originated from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Michigan, reports The Mirror Us.
The crash took place around 6:58 pm in the 0-100 block of West Twya Street at O'Hare. The driver's identity has not been disclosed and further details are limited.
Officials have confirmed that the crash did not significantly disrupt airport operations.
In the aftermath of a spate of aviation mishaps, American Airlines have issued a statement asserting, "Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members, and we are reviewing this incident."
Compounding the turmoil, United Airlines, whose employee was operating the implicated tug during one incident, has declared, "we are ensuring he receives any necessary support and care."
In a week marked by aerial upheavals, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the grim toll of Friday night's plane crash that devastated northeastern Philadelphia: seven lives lost and 19 individuals wounded. And in another concerning development, recovery efforts for Wednesday's catastrophic mid-air smash-up—a collision between a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 plane and a Sikorsky H-60 military chopper near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport—are accelerating.
Salvage barges en route are set to collaborate 'with the coroner's office' as per an NTSB press briefing, with the goal of expediting the heartrending task of returning remains to grieving families.
