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Airline worker safety in spotlight after O’Hare collision injures tug driver
The International Association of Machinists is urging the FAA to improve safety measures for airline ramp workers following a serious accident at O’Hare International Airport.
CHICAGO - The International Association of Machinists (IAM) are calling for stronger airline worker protection just days after a tug vehicle driver was critically injured at O'Hare International Airport.
The backstory:
The incident occurred around 6:35 p.m. Saturday when Air Wisconsin Flight 6181, an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-200, was struck by the tug vehicle while approaching a gate, according to the FAA.
The wing of the aircraft struck the United Airlines tug vehicle as it crossed the taxiway, officials said.
The collision caused the tug vehicle to flip over, pinning the driver underneath.
Chicago police said the driver, a 64-year-old man, was transported to Lutheran General Hospital in critical condition but has since stabilized. He suffered head and lower body injuries.
No injuries were reported among the aircraft’s passengers.
The passengers exited the plane safely and were bused to the terminal, the FAA said.
The flight had departed from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Michigan before arriving in Chicago.
What they're saying:
In a statement released Tuesday, IAM union leaders wrote, in part:
"Now, it is time for the FAA to complete and implement its congressionally-mandated study on ramp worker safety to help our industry improve the safety of airline ramp workers."
The Source: The information in this article was provided by Chicago Police Department, the FAA and the IAM union.