A chilling sequence of events unfolded at Newark Airport as a United Airlines flight arriving from Italy made a harrowing descent. Newly released surveillance footage captured the startling moment the aircraft struck a light pole and, incredibly, collided with a bakery truck on the New Jersey Turnpike.
The impact sent shockwaves through the trucking community and prompted an immediate investigation. Warren Boardley, the driver of the Schmidt Bakery truck, was en route to deliver a fresh batch of bread to a Newark terminal when the unthinkable happened – a plane’s tires grazed the top of his vehicle.
Against all odds, Boardley managed to safely pull over after the strike and contact his employer. He was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, a testament to his quick thinking and a stroke of luck.
The bakery truck, though struck, sustained minimal damage, and remarkably, the precious cargo of bread remained untouched. Chuck Paterakis, vice president of transportation for Schmidt Bakery, confirmed the trailer was unharmed, averting a potential disruption to deliveries.
Dramatic dashcam footage, now widely circulating, offers a terrifyingly clear view of the incident. The video shows the plane’s landing gear making contact with the truck, a split-second collision that could have had devastating consequences.
Despite the jarring impact, the aircraft landed safely, experiencing only minor damage. Passengers disembarked, likely unaware of the near-miss that had just occurred during their approach.
Federal authorities are now meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Both the FAA and the NTSB have launched investigations to determine the cause of the collision and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between air and ground traffic around major airports. It highlights the inherent risks faced by those working in transportation and the importance of stringent safety protocols.
Boardley, a driver from Baltimore, is recovering from his ordeal. His survival is being hailed as miraculous, a testament to both his skill and a fortunate outcome in a potentially catastrophic situation.
The investigation continues, with authorities meticulously analyzing the surveillance and dashcam footage, along with flight data and witness statements, to piece together a complete understanding of what transpired during those critical moments at Newark Airport.
