64-Year-Old Man Injured After Plane Wing at Chicago O'Hare Airport Collides with Aircraft Tug Truck

Mar. 15, 2025

An aerial view of Chicago O’Hare International Airport in May 2019.Photo:DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty

DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty

On Saturday, Feb. 1, around 6:58 p.m., a 64-year-old man “attempted to cross the taxiway” at the airport when the wing of an aircraft “struck” his tug truck, before the vehicle flipped over and pinned him underneath, the Chicago Police Department shared in a statement with PEOPLE.

The man, whose name has not been released, has since been “stabilized” after he was transported to Lutheran General Hospital in critical condition.

“The victim sustained head and lower body injuries,” police say. “There are no reported injuries to the passengers of the aircraft. Area Five Detectives are investigating.”

Planes parked outside of O’Hare International Airport on May 9, 2024.Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty

Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty

In a statement on itswebsite, the Federal Aviation Administration added that the flight was Air Wisconsin Flight 6181, which “struck a tug while approaching the gate” around 7:35 p.m. local time.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members, and we are reviewing this incident,” the airline said in a statement to PEOPLE, sharing that no injuries were reported among customers or crew members.

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As for the vehicle itself, it was a United Airlines tug, according to the airline. United noted that the vehicle “made contact with another airline’s aircraft while it was taxiing” in statement.

United has also shared with PEOPLE that it is “ensuring” the employee “receives any necessary support and care.”

source: people.com