At an international airport, a significant number of individuals are believed to have sustained injuries in an incident. Reports indicate that around 17 people were caught up in the event when a bus-like vehicle, designed to transport passengers between the terminal and an aircraft, crashed at Washington Dulles International Airport, located approximately 26 miles west of the US capital, on Monday, November 10.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. local time when the loaded mobile lounge, also referred to as ‘people movers’, collided with a dock as it approached the building. According to a statement posted on Twitter by the airport, passengers disembarked from the mobile lounge using stairs and are currently being assessed by the Airports Authority Fire & Rescue team for potential injuries.
The Daily Star reported that local hospitals have been informed to prepare for a potential influx of up to 17 patients. These mobile lounges have been in operation at the airport since its opening in 1962, and discussions about discontinuing their use have recently surfaced.
A recent statement from a nominee to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Board of Directors indicated plans to phase out the people movers at the airport if appointed, as reported by AirlineGeeks. Despite the incident, the airport remains operational, and regular activities are ongoing.