Last night, a serious incident unfolded at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Two Delta Airlines jets collided on the runway, raising fresh concerns about the safety of air travel. Reports from various outlets indicated that the planes, both operated by Endeavor Air, were involved in a “low-speed collision.” The incident occurred around 9:56 PM when Endeavor Flight 5047 was arriving from Charlotte, North Carolina, while Endeavor Flight 5155 was preparing to take off for Roanoke, Virginia. The collision reportedly left one of the planes severely damaged, with its nose crushed and a substantial portion of a wing torn off.
Footage from the scene shows the aftermath of the crash, highlighting the significant damage inflicted on the aircraft. A Delta spokesperson confirmed the details, noting that both planes were taxiing at the time of the incident, making the event all the more alarming for passengers aboard. The first flight had 61 people on board, while the other was carrying 32 passengers plus crew members.
In a concerning audio exchange captured by air traffic control, a pilot shared the harrowing aftermath of the collision: “Their right wing clipped our nose and the cockpit. We have damage to our windscreen and… some of our screens in here.” This stark account shows the immediate repercussions of the crash. Joey Annunziato, a CBS News producer and passenger on Flight 5047, described the chaos, stating, “We got absolutely smashed by another Delta flight. I don’t know if we hit them or they hit us, but it was super jarring.” His observation underscores the suddenness and intensity of the encounter for those on board.
Another passenger, William Lusk, recounted his experience, stating, “The plane that had landed stopped, jerked, and jumped to the right. Everyone went dead silent.” Lusk illustrated the fear and confusion in the cabin as the crew attempted to maintain order. The pilot’s calm message assured the passengers, saying, “Hey, we’ve been in a crash, everyone remain calm.” Fortunately, it appears there were no serious injuries to passengers, but one crew member was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Once the immediate danger had passed, passengers were evacuated and taken to safety via shuttle buses. Delta Airlines has since offered hotel accommodations and new flights to affected passengers. The airline’s swift response demonstrates an intent to mitigate the fallout from this alarming situation.
This collision at LaGuardia adds to a growing list of aviation incidents, further fueling skepticism about the overall safety protocols in the airline industry. As the investigation into this unforeseen event continues, the aviation community remains on alert for any emerging details that might shed light on how such collisions can occur on crowded taxiways. The safety of air travel, a crucial aspect of modern life, hangs in the balance as the public looks for answers.
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