Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas were thrown into panic after their plane came perilously close to colliding with another aircraft mid-air. The terrifying incident, which occurred at cruising altitude, left travellers fearing for their lives as the cabin erupted into chaos.
A Close Call at 30,000 Feet
According to eyewitness accounts, the Boeing 737 suddenly jerked violently as the pilots took evasive action to avoid what could have been a catastrophic collision. "We felt this massive jolt and then the plane banked sharply," recounted one shaken passenger. "People were screaming, drinks went flying everywhere - it was absolute pandemonium."
Pilot's Quick Thinking Averts Disaster
Aviation experts suggest the near-miss likely occurred due to an air traffic control error or a failure in the aircraft's collision avoidance systems. The Southwest pilots' rapid response appears to have prevented what could have been one of the worst aviation disasters in recent memory.
Aftermath and Investigation
The flight continued to Las Vegas without further incident, though many passengers required medical attention for injuries sustained during the violent manoeuvre. Both the FAA and NTSB have launched investigations into the harrowing event.
Southwest Airlines issued a statement saying: "We are aware of the reported incident and are working closely with authorities to determine exactly what occurred. The safety of our customers and crew remains our top priority."
This shocking incident raises serious questions about air traffic control procedures and the increasing congestion of America's airways as air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic.
