A passenger described seeing numerous emergency vehicles surrounding several baggage carts.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An American Airlines employee was killed Monday in a vehicle accident at a Charlotte Douglas International Airport ramp, the paved area adjacent to gates where planes park to load passengers.
Officials released very little details about the incident. An airline passenger who was on a nearby plane told WCNC Charlotte they saw the employee, who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle on the ramp.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the employee’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” airport officials say in a statement confirming the death.
Only one vehicle was involved in the incident, according to airport officials.
The airport said it is working closely with the airline and first responders in the ongoing investigation and is providing support as needed. The NCDOL’s Occupational Health and Safety Division is investigating the incident.
“We are devastated by the accident involving a team member,” an American Airlines spokesperson says in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time.”
The union that represents the deceased employee has sent a safety committee to Charlotte.
“The IAM is coordinating with authorities to conduct a full investigation,” Jonathan Battaglia, the communications director for the IAM Union, says in a statement to WCNC Charlotte. ” The IAM has dispatched a safety committee to assist and will provide support to our affected members. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our deceased member.”
A photo shared with WCNC Charlotte showed emergency vehicles near the B concourse around 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
“Emergency and medical crews have responded to an incident on the ramp at Charlotte Douglas International Airport,” airport officials had said in a brief statement at the time of the incident. “There are no significant impacts to operations and more information will follow.”
Another passenger who was on an inbound flight to Charlotte told WCNC Charlotte their plane was delayed near the emergency vehicles. The passenger described seeing numerous emergency vehicles surrounding several baggage carts.
In photos provided to WCNC Charlotte, the incident does not appear to involve any flights or aircraft. Numerous emergency vehicles and luggage carts were parked near the incident.
Despite some delays linked to weather and clouds, the FAA listed no substantial flight delays for planes arriving or departing Charlotte.
In 2019, another American Airlines employee died working at the airport. The airline was fined nearly $20,000 by North Carolina investigators who found hazardous work conditions. In that incident, Kendrick Hudson died when the tug he was driving hit a piece of luggage on the tarmac and flipped.
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