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Ramp Agent Killed in Tragic Accident at Charlotte Douglas International Airport After Being Run Over By Aircraft Tug Vehicle

Ramp Agent Killed in Tragic Accident at Charlotte Douglas International Airport After Being Run Over By Aircraft Tug Vehicle

airplanes on a runway

An American Airlines ramp agent was killed in a tragic incident at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) on Monday morning after they were run over by an aircraft tug vehicle that was reversing at the time of the accident.

At around 9:30 am on Monday, emergency vehicles rushed to the accident scene, which occurred close to Concourse B, which exclusively serves American Airlines flights operating domestic services, according to aviation insider JonNYC on X and Bluesky.

Sadly, the ramp agent was declared dead at the scene. An investigation into the incident is already underway.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Charlotte Douglas Airport confirmed the incident, saying: “This morning at approximately 9:30 a.m., a single-vehicle accident involving an airline ramp vehicle occurred at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.”

“Emergency and medical crews responded promptly. Sadly, the individual involved did not survive. Our deepest condolences go out to the employee’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

The statement continued: “The Airport is working closely with airline and first responder partners in the ongoing investigation and is providing support as needed. Airport chaplains are available on site.”

It’s understood that the tug vehicle started reversing, and the driver may not have seen the ramp agent, who was standing in a blind spot behind the vehicle.

A spokesperson for American Airlines said the carrier was “devastated” by the loss of a team member. In a statement, the airline said: “We are devastated by the accident involving a team member at Charlotte International Airport (CLT).”

“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 statement continued.

Given how incredibly safe the aviation industry is as a whole, it is sometimes easy to forget that working on the airport ramp can be very hazardous and comes with unique challenges, including vehicles of all shapes and sizes that you would never see on a public road.

Late last year, an airport ground worker was killed in a bizarre incident at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland after they were crushed to death when they were trapped between a plane and a lavatory servicing vehicle.

The accident occurred when a tug driver started to push an Airbus A350 back from the gate in order to tow it to a remote parking bay without realizing the lavatory waste truck was still parked underneath the aircraft, towards the rear of the plane, and that the operator was actively servicing the lavatories.

When the plane was pushed back from the gate, it’s believed that the operator was crushed between the side of the aircraft and the waste truck.

View Comments (3)
    • Usually planes run over people or plane’s jet engine sucks people and chew them out. It is very common contrary to popular belief.

  • That is very sad and unfortunately not uncommon. During my 2023 ramp agent training, the deaths and accidents are highlighted in the curriculum. Ramp agent is a VERY dangerous job. When I was in the field, I could visualize the ways AI will be integrated into the role to reduce human error and casualties.

    Prayers to all. Stay safe.

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