United Flight Hits Pole, Damages Truck Near Newark
A United Airlines Boeing 767 struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while on final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon, also damaging a tractor trailer on the highway below, according to federal aviation officials and local authorities.
The incident involving Flight 169 occurred around 2 p.m. as the aircraft descended toward the runway after a transatlantic flight from Venice, Italy. The plane, carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew members, landed safely, taxied to the gate without issue and reported no injuries among those on board. Minor damage was observed on the aircraft, and airport staff inspected the runway for debris before quickly resuming normal operations, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said.
The tractor trailer driver sustained minor injuries, was taken to a hospital and later released, according to Port Authority police. Video footage from the truck captured the moment of impact, showing the plane's wheel clipping the light pole and shattering the driver's side window.
"Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft," a United Airlines spokesperson said. "We will conduct a rigorous flight safety...