Picture credits: WCNC Charlotte
North Carolina: An American Airlines employee was fatally struck by a ramp vehicle at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Monday. The accident occurred on the ramp, the area where planes park to load passengers. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the employee had been determined dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased has not been released.
American Airlines expressed its condolences, stating, “We are devastated by the accident involving a team member at Charlotte International Airport (CLT). Our thoughts are prayers with the family and our local team members”
According to WCNC Charlotte, one passenger on a nearby aircraft reported seeing the employee struck by a vehicle, while another passenger arriving on an inbound flight described numerous emergency vehicles around several baggage carts. Only one vehicle was involved in the incident.
The airport said “Sadly, the individual employed by American Airlines involved did not survive. Our deepest condolences go out to the employee’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. The Airport is working closely with airline and first responder partners in the ongoing investigation and is providing support as needed.”
The accident did not cause significant disruptions to flight operations, though weather-related delays were reported. The FAA confirmed there were no major impacts to flight schedules.
This incident recalls a similar tragedy in August 2019 when a Piedmont Airlines employee, Kendrick Darrell Hudson, died in an accident involving a luggage tug, which led to the airline being fined nearly $20,000 after an investigation revealed unsafe work conditions.
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