A major aviation incident unfolded at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday when two Delta Air Lines aircraft collided on the ground, prompting emergency evacuations and sending shockwaves through the aviation community.
The Moment of Impact
According to eyewitness accounts and official statements, the collision occurred when a Delta Boeing 737, preparing for departure, made contact with another Delta Airbus A321 that was stationary nearby. The terrifying incident happened during routine airport operations, catching both passengers and crew completely by surprise.
"We felt this huge jolt and heard this awful crunching sound," described one passenger aboard the 737. "For a moment, nobody knew what was happening - then the emergency slides deployed and we had to evacuate immediately."
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Airport emergency services responded within minutes of the collision, with fire crews and medical personnel rushing to the scene. Both aircraft were successfully evacuated using emergency slides, though the process was described as chaotic by some passengers.
- All passengers and crew safely evacuated from both aircraft
- Minor injuries reported during evacuation process
- Emergency slides deployed on both planes
- Runway operations temporarily suspended
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision. Early reports suggest the moving aircraft may have veered from its intended path while taxiing, though officials emphasize it's too early to determine the exact cause.
"This type of ground incident, while rare, represents one of the most significant safety concerns at busy airports like JFK," commented aviation safety expert Dr. Michael Reynolds. "The proximity of multiple large aircraft during ground operations requires absolute precision and communication."
Travel Disruption and Aftermath
The collision caused significant disruption at one of America's busiest airports, with multiple flights delayed or cancelled as authorities worked to clear the incident scene. Delta Air Lines has established a dedicated customer service line for affected passengers and their families.
Both aircraft sustained visible damage in the collision and have been taken out of service for thorough inspection and repairs. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex coordination required to maintain safety at major international airports.
