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A Delta Airbus A319
An airport worker has died in Texas after being sucked into a passenger plane’s engine.
The worker was “swallowed” in the engine of a Delta plane that was taxiing toward its gate with its engine on, officials said.
The worker’s employers say an initial investigation shows the incident was unrelated to safety measures, but it’s not yet clear how it happened.
An investigation is also conducted by a government agency.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it has been in contact with Delta Air Lines and is “in the process of gathering information at this time.”
The plane, an Airbus A319, arrived in San Antonio from Los Angeles International Airport on Friday evening.
Officials have not yet named the Unifi Aviation employee that Delta Air Lines hires to operate the ground staff.
“Our initial investigation determined that this incident was unrelated to Unifi’s operations, security procedures and policies,” the company said.
A Delta spokesman said the airline was “heartbroken” at the loss of the life of a “member of an aviation family.”
“Our hearts and full support are with her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
The airline also told local broadcaster Kens 5 that it is cooperating with authorities “while they begin their investigation.”
On Wednesday, regional airline Piedmont was fined $15,625 (£12,285) by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after a ground crew member died in a similar incident in Alabama six months earlier.
“Proper training and enforcement of safety procedures could have prevented this tragedy,” OSHA said.