A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft about to take off from Dallas Love Field Airport was struck by a bullet, cancelling Friday evening’s flight. The bullet struck the fuselage; no injuries were reported.
Southwest Airlines plane hit by gunfire
The bullet struck the Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the left-hand fuselage and nose cone while the flight 2494 crew were preparing for departure from Dallas Love Field Airport. The plane was taxiing before the flight to Indianapolis International Airport and had to be turned around back to the gate where the passengers exited.
The airline representative claimed that the passengers were accommodated with new flights following the disruption.
Police were called, and no injuries were reported from the incident. The Dallas Police Department responded to the call around 9:48 and is currently the “leading agency” in the ongoing investigation.
The aircraft was temporarily removed from service. Meanwhile, the Dallas Police Department was called, and the runway 13R/31L was closed. The runway was reopened with minimal impact on facilities operations, according to Dallas Love Field Airport
A Spokesperson from Southwest Airlines clarified the situation
“Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 was set to depart for Indianapolis when a bullet apparently struck the right side of the plane, just below the flight deck, as the crew was preparing for takeoff. No injuries were reported. Law enforcement authorities have been notified, and the plane has been removed from service.”
Similar Case
This shooting happened in the same week a Spirit Airlines flight was hit by gunfire. Flight 951 was hit in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as it was landing before being diverted due to the hit.
Spirit Airlines said that there was
“evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire.”
A flight attendant on the flight reported minor injuries. No passengers were injured.
The plane was taken out of commission; the passengers therefore had a different aircraft arranged to take them back to Florida. The shooting was believed to be a part of gang-led efforts to block flights to Port-au-Prince.
The U.S Embassy has announced that the airport will have a temporary pause in operations and has issued a stratement to tourists looking to fly to Haiti
“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel,”
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