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Passenger carrier crashes at Dulles Airport, injuring 18
A mobile lounge transporting travelers at Washington Dulles International Airport struck a terminal dock on Monday, leaving at least 18 people injured, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred around 16:30 EST (21:30 GMT) when the vehicle, used to ferry passengers between planes and the terminal, collided with the dock while approaching Concourse D, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).
Injuries and immediate response
All injured passengers, described as having non-life-threatening wounds, exited the carrier via stairs and were transported to nearby hospitals. The crash also caused structural damage to the terminal, though the airport remains operational, said MWAA spokeswoman Crystal Nosal.
It remains unclear how many passengers were aboard at the time. Dulles operates a fleet of 19 such vehicles, each capable of carrying up to 102 people.
Criticism of outdated infrastructure
The mobile lounges, introduced in 1959, have faced long-standing criticism for being antiquated. Earlier this week, Trent Morse-a former Trump official nominated to the MWAA board-called them "a relic of the past" during a Senate confirmation hearing.
"It's an embarrassment that international travelers, visiting the capital of the most powerful nation in the world, are transported back to the sixties," Morse stated.
Safety record and shutdown context
Between 2007 and 2017, the vehicles were involved in 16 accidents, including one fatality, per NBC Washington. Monday's crash coincides with the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has led to air traffic reductions at 40 airports, including Dulles, due to staffing shortages.
Next steps
Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the collision or potential operational changes. The MWAA has not responded to requests for further comment.
