An airline worker is dead after being pulled into a plane’s engine at San Antonio International Airport in Texas, officials told news outlets.
A flight from Los Angeles had just landed around 10:30 p.m. on June 23, and while taxiing, a worker on the ground was “swallowed” into an engine, the National Transportation Safety Board WOAI said in a statement.
The plane is owned by Delta Airlines, and the NTSB said it was communicating with the airline as it investigates the fatal incident, KENS reported.
The worker is employed by Unifi, a company with which Delta has contracts, the company told McClatchy News.
“We are heartbroken and mourn the loss of life of a member of the San Antonio aviation family,” Delta said in an email. “Our hearts and full support are with her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Unifi Aviation said in a statement obtained by KENS that “the incident was unrelated to Unifi’s operations, safety procedures and policies.”
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and we remain focused on supporting our local employees and ensuring they are cared for during this time,” the company said, according to the outlet.
The airport said it will release more information as it becomes available, WOAI reported.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident and are working with the authorities as they begin their investigation,” the airport said.
McClatchy News has contacted the NTSB for more information.
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