In a startling incident at New York's LaGuardia Airport, two planes collided on the tarmac last Friday.
The mishap involved a United Airlines flight bound for Chicago and another aircraft preparing for departure to Houston, Texas. The collision occurred as the Chicago-bound plane maneuvered into its gate, inadvertently striking the tail of the stationary Houston-bound aircraft.
As reported by The Post Millennial, this incident unfolds amid a backdrop of staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, exacerbated by a government shutdown that has left many workers unpaid. The collision was described by a passenger on board: We all felt a bump during taxi to the runway but didnt know it was another plane until the captain said it was.
Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene, and both aircraft returned to their respective gates. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 328 passengers and five crew members aboard the two planes, according to the New York Post.
Maintenance crews are currently assessing the planes for any potential malfunctions resulting from the collision. Weather conditions may have contributed to the incident, with wind advisories causing ground delays averaging over two hours. Despite the severity of the situation, LaGuardia Airport has yet to issue a statement, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains silent, hindered by the ongoing government shutdown.
The shutdown has sparked criticism from various quarters, including Secretary Sean Duffy, who has openly criticized Senate Democrats for their failure to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government alongside the GOP.
Duffy has expressed concern over the impact on air traffic controllers, who are compelled to work without pay and often take on additional jobs to make ends meet. He cautioned that such conditions could lead to widespread disruptions in air travel, stating, "youre going to have mass issues throughout the airspace."
As the situation develops, questions remain regarding the long-term implications of the shutdown on air travel safety and efficiency. The incident at LaGuardia serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when essential services are stretched thin, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the current political impasse.
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