An American Airlines employee died from ‘traumatic injuries’ after a horror vehicle crash on the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas.
The runway tragedy occurred at around 2pm Thursday, where the worker was operating ‘ground service vehicle’ on the runway when he struck a jet bridge outside the terminal.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of what Austin police initially described as a ‘crash incident’, however the unnamed individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim was reportedly still alive when Austin Travis County EMS paramedics arrived on the airfield apron, however they succumbed to their injuries on the tarmac, and the cause of death was determined to be traumatic injuries.
In a statement, Austin Bergstrom International Airport said: ‘This afternoon AUS was notified that Austin-Travis County EMS responded to an injured airline employee.
‘The incident occurred outside of the terminal where aircraft park at their gates. ATCEMS pronounced the employee deceased.
‘Our thoughts are with this employee and all those impacted by today’s tragic event.’ The airport added that the incident would not have any major impact on its operations.
The Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit is investigating the incident as an accidental death.
American Airlines confirmed the deceased was a member of their staff when contacted by DailyMail.com, saying in a statement: ‘We are devastated by the accident involving a team member at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time.’
It comes months after another airline worker lost their life after being violently sucked into the engine of a recently landed plane at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama.
Courtney Edwards, 34, was working as a ground agent for Piedmont Airlines when the tragedy unfolded on New Year’s Eve.