A worker on the ground at Alabama’s Montgomery Regional Airport died Saturday in an industrial accident that temporarily halted flights, officials said.
The incident happened around 2:20 p.m. An American Airlines Embraer E175 on a nearby airport ramp, which was parked, the Federal Aviation Administration said in an initial statement.
The worker was employed by American Airlines regional carrier Piedmont Airlines, the parent company said in a statement.
“We are focused on making sure that everyone involved has the support they need during this difficult time,” the American said.
The name of the worker has not been disclosed. Local first responders and the medical examiner did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.
The airport said in a statement that air traffic was disrupted after the accident and the local ground stop remained open until 8:30 p.m.
“We are saddened to hear of the tragic loss of an AA/Piedmont Airlines crew member,” airport executive director Wade A. Davis said in a statement.
The FAA said it will work with the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate.