AN AIRPORT driver was critically injured when a plane’s wing smashed into his tug and flipped it over at Chicago O’Hare airport.
The 64-year-old was crushed under his vehicle when it was thrown over by the enormous wing of an Air Wisconsin jet – in America’s third aircraft accident in four days.
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The plane had landed moments earlier and was taxiing to the gate when it clattered into the cart on Saturday evening.
The man was pinned between the tug and the tarmac and suffered serious injuries to his head and lower body.
After being freed he was rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in a critical condition but has since been stabilised, according to police.
The crash happened at around 7:35pm when flight 6181 was crossing the runway to approach the arrivals gate.
The Bombardier CRJ-200 had just arrived in from Kalamazoo International Airport, Michigan.
All passengers were evacuated off the plane after the collision and transported to the terminal by bus.
Nobody onboard the plane was harmed.
The identity of the injured driver has not been released.
Detectives and the Federal Aviation Administration are still working to figure out how the serious blunder could have happened.
Officials said the crash didn’t have a significant impact on other flights to or from the airport.
The plane was being operated by Air Wisconsin on behalf of American Airlines, who have released a statement.
In the wake of the accident, the airline said: “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members, and we are reviewing this incident.”
The injured tug driver work for United Airlines, and his employer said: “We are ensuring he receives any necessary support and care.”
This is the third airport incident to hit America in four days
All 67 people onboard an American Airlines plane and a US Army helicopter died when the two aircraft crashed midair and plunged in to the Potomac River on Wednesday evening.
There were 64 passengers on the CRJ700 air plane and three crew members on the Black Hawk chopper.
The remains of at least 42 people have been recovered from the water and the recovery mission continues.
Then, on Friday, a medical jet crashed into a busy Philadelphia street, killing all six on board and one person on the ground.
A six-year-old girl travelling back from life-saving treatment and her mom were among the plane’s passengers.
The crash left debris and burnt out vehicles strewn across up to six different blocks.
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