American Airlines Worker Killed by Ramp Vehicle on Tarmac

An American Airlines worker died after they were struck by a ramp vehicle on the tarmac at an airport on Monday morning.

Details are scarce about the incident at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, and no personal details have yet been released about the employee involved, but police have confirmed the worker was declared dead at the scene.

Newsweek has reached out by email to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and American Airlines seeking further information and comment.

The Context

An investigation has been launched to determine exactly what happened and how the employee died. Investigators are expected to assess security and safety protocols at the airport during the course of their probe.

It is not the first time that an airport staffer has been killed at work. In 2022, a 26-year-old baggage handler at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport died after her hair became caught in a belt loader.

Airport workers face numerous hazards in the workplace, according to a study published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018. “Air transportation workers had 6.7 cases of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time equivalent workers. That was more than twice the rate of 2.9 cases for all private industry workers,” its report noted.

What To Know

The worker died before 9:30 a.m. on Monday.

A spokesperson for Charlotte Douglas International Airport told People magazine that the worker had been killed during “a single-vehicle accident involving an airline ramp vehicle.”

It is unclear exactly where within the airport the incident happened and whether it was witnessed by other staff or plane passengers.

Emergency crews were unable to save the worker. At the time of writing the victim had not been named publicly, and no further details about them, such as their name, age or gender, had been released.

A photo shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday by a social media user called @Mrgunsngear, who said they used to work at the airport, showed a huge circle of staff in high-visibility jackets standing on an airport’s tarmac with grounded plans nearby.

The caption read: “American Airlines employees gathered on the tarmac of Charlotte International Airport to pay respect to a ramp agent who was killed in an accident this morning. I’m a former ramp agent at that airport and know several of the people in this photo; never thought I’d see this there … Stay safe out there folks.”

Newsweek has not yet been unable to independently verify the photo.

What People Are Saying

American Airlines in a news statement: “We are devastated by the accident involving a team member at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. 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.”

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department spokesperson told People magazine that officers attended the scene to help “an employee reportedly struck by a vehicle on the tarmac.” The spokesperson added: “The employee was pronounced deceased on scene by first responders,” and “an ongoing investigation” is now underway.

A Charlotte Douglas International Airport spokesperson told the magazine that emergency crews had “responded promptly,” but added: “Sadly, the individual employed by American Airlines involved did not survive. Our deepest condolences go out to the employee’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. The Airport is working closely with airline and first responder partners in the ongoing investigation and is providing support as needed.”

What Happens Next

The investigation into the death will continue. Further details about the worker who died may be released in due course.