A frightening scene unfolded at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Tuesday when two Delta Air Lines aircraft collided on the tarmac, prompting emergency evacuations and sending shockwaves through the busy travel hub.
The incident occurred around 5:30 PM local time when a Boeing 737, operating as Flight 1948 to Bogota, Colombia, made contact with an Airbus A321 that was parked at the gate. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crunching sound as the aircraft's wings collided, creating a scene of chaos and confusion.
Emergency Response and Passenger Accounts
Passengers aboard the Boeing 737 described moments of panic as the collision occurred. "We felt this huge jolt and heard this awful metal-on-metal sound," said one traveller who asked to remain anonymous. "People started screaming, and the crew immediately began emergency evacuation procedures."
Emergency services rushed to the scene as airport operations were temporarily suspended. Fire crews and medical personnel established a perimeter around the affected aircraft while assessing potential fuel leaks and other hazards.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a full investigation into how the moving aircraft came into contact with the stationary plane. Early reports suggest the Boeing 737 was being towed or taxiing when the incident occurred.
"This type of ground incident, while rare, represents one of the most significant safety concerns at busy airports," explained aviation safety expert Dr. Michael Reynolds. "The proximity of aircraft during ground operations requires extreme precision and communication between ground crews and flight decks."
Travel Disruption and Delta's Response
The collision caused significant disruption at LaGuardia, with multiple flights delayed or diverted. Delta Air Lines issued a statement confirming the incident and emphasising that passenger safety remained their top priority.
The airline has established a dedicated customer service team to assist affected passengers with rebooking and accommodation arrangements. Preliminary inspections suggest both aircraft sustained substantial damage to their wing structures, likely requiring extensive repairs before returning to service.
Aviation authorities continue to review ground control procedures and communication protocols at LaGuardia as the investigation progresses.
