In a bizarre New Year’s Eve tragedy, a luggage handler was purportedly pulled into a plane’s engine.
The unnamed employee was working on the ramp at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama at 3 p.m. Saturday when he was swept into the running engine of an Envoy Air airplane that was parked ahead of its planned trip to Dallas, Texas, according to authorities.
The victim has not yet been recognized officially, although he worked for Piedmont Airlines. Envoy and Piedmont are both American Airlines regional divisions.
According to the Montgomery Advertiser, Montgomery Regional Airport was shuttered in the immediate aftermath but reopened late Saturday night.
The incident is being investigated by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
American Airlines said in a statement that it is heartbroken by the accident that occurred with a team member. Their thoughts and prayers are with the family and members of their local team.
They are committed to providing all parties concerned with the assistance they require at this tough period.
Piedmont Airlines also stated that it has activated its CARE team to assist the victim’s family, friends, and coworkers.
Meanwhile, Wade A Davis, the airport’s executive director, stated, they are heartbroken to learn of the unfortunate death of an AA/Piedmont Airlines staff member. During this terrible time, their thoughts and prayers are with the family.
More details will be disclosed when the FAA releases its first report on Monday.
