Two Delta Jets Collide At Airport, Flight Attendant Injured
Two Delta Airlines regional jets collided on Wednesday night at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, damaging one plane’s wing and leaving a flight attendant injured. Passengers described the crash as a “terrifying smash.”
The incident occurred around 9:56 p.m. as the two CRJ-900 planes, operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, were taxiing at low speed.
One plane’s wing was torn off, while the other’s nose was badly dented. Passengers were stranded on the tarmac as emergency crews responded.
A CBS News producer on board one of the jets recounted the moment of impactz “We were taxiing to our runway and we got absolutely smashed by another Delta flight. Everyone shot forward in their seats. It was a little chaotic; we were shocked at what happened.”
The planes involved were Endeavor Air flight 5155, scheduled for Roanoke, Virginia, and flight 5047, arriving from Charlotte, North Carolina.
No passengers were injured, but the flight attendant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Photos and videos from the scene showed flashing emergency lights, passengers being escorted off the planes, and the crumpled wreckage of one aircraft’s nose.
Delta confirmed that all 85 passengers were safely evacuated, provided with food and hotel accommodations, and will be rebooked on other flights.
“Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred as the safety of our customers and people comes before all else,” the airline said in a statement.
Airport officials confirmed that the collision did not disrupt wider operations at LaGuardia. Federal investigators have launched an inquiry into the incident.
The collision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. aviation safety, with industry insiders warning that staffing cuts at the Federal Aviation Administration have left some critical safety functions under-resourced.
Shanghai Daily
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
