A chilling scene unfolded at LaGuardia Airport Friday evening as two planes collided on the tarmac, a stark reminder of the complexities of air travel even on the ground.
This wasn't an isolated incident; remarkably, it marks the second time this month planes have bumped into each other while taxiing at the busy New York airport. The latest involved two United Airlines jets, a collision born from a confluence of frustrating delays.
Severe weather and critical staffing shortages had already created a tense atmosphere at LaGuardia. As one United plane, fresh off a flight from Orlando, maneuvered towards its gate, its winglet clipped the tail of another United jet patiently waiting for clearance to head to Houston.
The stationary aircraft absorbed the impact, while passengers on board the moving plane felt a jarring bump. “We all felt a bump during taxi to the runway but didn’t know it was another plane until the captain said it was,” one passenger recounted, preferring to remain anonymous.
The airport immediately responded, dispatching a fleet of emergency vehicles to the scene. Their flashing lights painted a dramatic picture as crews assessed the damage and ensured the safety of everyone involved.
Fortunately, despite the unsettling nature of the collision, no injuries were reported. Passengers and crew were shaken, but unharmed.
This incident echoes a similar event earlier this month, where two Canadair jets experienced a “low-speed collision” on the same taxiway. That earlier incident resulted in one reported injury, highlighting the potential for harm in these ground-based accidents.
Authorities are now investigating both incidents, meticulously examining the circumstances that led to these near misses. The focus is on understanding how to prevent future collisions and maintain the highest levels of safety at LaGuardia.
