LOS ANGELES- On Saturday, a Delta Air Lines flight from New York JFK to Los Angeles diverted in Utah due to technical issues.
However, an air slide inside the plane accidentally deployed upon landing, causing an unexpected incident. Regrettably, a crew member was injured by the sudden deployment of the air slide. Further, they were taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Delta Flight Diverted to Salt Lake City
The flight carrying 168 passengers, the Boeing 767-300 aircraft traveling from JFK to LAX. Subsequently, the pilot informed the passengers that an unscheduled landing in Salt Lake City was necessary due to technical difficulties.
The captain explained that a temperature instrument in the backup system, crucial for icy conditions, is malfunctioning.
Following a smooth landing, the passengers were instructed to disembark the aircraft. After a delay, the temperature instrument repaired, and at approximately 1 PM local time in Utah, the plane appeared to be ready for takeoff again.
However, unexpectedly, an incident occurred involving a slide—quite literally.
Following the reboarding of passengers and preparations for departure, an inflatable slide located at the rear of the aircraft was unintentionally activated inside the plane while it was at the gate.
According to sources cited by the Post, the incident resulted in a Delta crew member being struck. Subsequently taken to the hospital.
One passenger described the deployment of the slide as resembling an “explosion” inside the plane.
Another passenger mentioned that the crew had armed a rear door, and the air slide forcefully pushed a panel out of the door when it accidentally deployed. Further causing the crew member to be struck like the impact of a car’s airbag.
Sources indicated that the slide struck the crew member in the head and that the plane’s catering crew accidentally activated it. Further, Passengers were observed disembarking from the plane. Also visibly shaken and annoyed by the situation.
Official Statement
In response to the incident, a Delta spokesperson issued a statement confirming that Delta flight 520, “which is scheduled to fly from New York-JFK to Los Angeles, diverted to Salt Lake City due to a maintenance issue.”
According to a Delta representative, the slide was accidentally deployed while the aircraft was on the ground. To ensure the passengers’ timely and safe arrival at their final destination, they were promptly re-accommodated on a different aircraft.
The representative expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused to the passengers. Further emphasized that the safety of customers and staff is of utmost importance.
In recognition of the inconvenience faced by the passengers, the airline provided them with 7,500 miles.
Additionally, a source from Delta clarified that the landing in Utah to address the aircraft issue was not classified as an official emergency landing.
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