An American Airlines employee died of traumatic injuries on the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas.
The worker was operating a ground-level vehicle Thursday afternoon when he struck a jet bridge outside the terminal where planes park at the gates.
Law enforcement did not disclose any identifying information about the deceased.
When Austin-Travis County Emergency Services personnel responded to the scene at around 2 p.m., the man was injured but still alive. He would die of his injuries on the tarmac.
In a statement, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offered condolences and explained that airport operations would not be affected by the accident.
“There are no significant impacts to airport operations at this time. AUS staff are working closely with the airline and emergency services personnel. Our thoughts are with this employee and all those impacted by today’s tragic event,” the statement said.
The Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit is, despite its name, investigating the crash as an accidental death. All witnesses of the event are cooperating, Austin Police Department Officer Destiny Silva told assembled media at a press conference.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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