A harrowing scene unfolded at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday as a United Airlines flight arriving from Italy struck a light pole and collided with a bakery truck during its final approach.
Dashcam footage captured the startling moment the aircraft’s wheels made contact with the top of a tractor-trailer traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike. The impact sent the truck driver to the hospital with injuries that, thankfully, were not life-threatening.
The driver, identified as Warren Boardley of Baltimore, was delivering bread to an airport terminal when the incident occurred. He managed to safely pull over after the strike and immediately contacted his employer, Schmidt Bakery.
Despite the dramatic collision, the United Airlines flight landed safely, with reports indicating only minor damage to the aircraft. All 221 passengers and 10 crew members on board escaped unharmed.
According to Chuck Paterakis, vice president of transportation for Schmidt Bakery, the trailer itself sustained no damage, and the precious cargo of bread remained untouched. A remarkable stroke of luck considering the force of the impact.
Authorities, including the Port Authority Police Department and New Jersey State Police, responded swiftly to the scene. The truck driver was treated and subsequently released from the hospital, a reassuring outcome in a potentially devastating situation.
The incident raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the landing, though initial reports focus on the unexpected contact during the approach. Investigations are likely underway to determine the precise sequence of events.
The released dashcam footage provides a chilling visual account of the near-miss, offering a stark reminder of the complexities and inherent risks involved in air travel and ground transportation operations.
