A vehicle transporting airline passengers crashed at a major US airport on Monday, resulting in multiple people being taken to hospital.
What Happened at Dulles Airport?
A mobile lounge operating at Washington Dulles International Airport struck a dock while pulling up to the building at approximately 4:30 pm on November 15, 2022. The specialised vehicle, which moves travellers between the main terminal and aircraft, hit the docking structure at an angle according to officials.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed the incident occurred at the Virginia-based airport, noting that the dock serves as the stopping point where passengers disembark to access the concourse area.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Emergency services transported 18 people to hospital following the collision, though all injuries were confirmed to be non-life-threatening. The local fire department coordinated the medical response and ensured all affected passengers received prompt attention.
In their official statement, airport authorities moved quickly to reassure travellers that the airport remained open and operational despite the incident, with services continuing as normal throughout the evening.
Understanding Dulles Airport's Mobile Lounges
Washington Dulles International Airport features 19 of these distinctive mobile lounges in its fleet. Each vehicle measures approximately 54 feet (16 meters) in length and 16 feet (5 meters) in width, with the capacity to carry up to 102 passengers at a time according to the airport's official website.
These specialised transports have been a characteristic feature of Dulles Airport for decades, designed to move large groups of passengers efficiently between terminals and aircraft parked at remote stands.
