Airline worker struck dead by moving airport ramp
An American Airlines employee was fatally struck by a moving airport ramp on a tarmac.
The employee was working on a ramp at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina when a ramp vehicle rammed into them around 9.30am on Monday.
Medical and emergency responders rushed to the scene but the worker was pronounced dead there, according to officials.
The victim was a man aged 66, police said, according to WCNC. He was not immediately identified.
Photos from the scene showed multiple medical response vehicles and luggage carts parked on the tarmac and American Airlines planes in the background.
Airport officials stated that they are ‘working closely with airline and first responder partners in the ongoing investigation and is providing support as needed’.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to the employee’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,’ they stated.
American Airlines stated they are ‘devastated by the accident involving a team member’ at the airport.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members,’ said the airline.
‘We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time.’
The IAM Union which is representing the employee is planning to conduct a full investigation in coordination with authorities.
‘IAM has dispatched a safety committee to assist and will provide support to our affected members,’ stated the union’s spokesman Jonathan Battaglia.
The incident is also being investigated by the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Division.
Operations at the airport were not greatly impacted by the incident. There were no major delays, only some due to clouds and weather.
Chaplains were available at the airport on Tuesday.
The employee died just over two weeks after two bodies were found in the landing gear of a JetBlue plane that landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
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