Worker dies in tarmac crash at Dulles Airport

(CBS/AP) 

CHANTILLY, Va. - A Southwest Airlines employee has died from injuries in a crash between a baggage cart and a passenger shuttle at Dulles International Airport.

Southwest said Friday that the employee was flown to a hospital after the Thursday morning crash and died overnight.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority says none of the passengers aboard the shuttle was injured.

Airport police are investigating. The airline did not release the worker's name or any details about the crash.

Dulles has for decades relied on the oversized shuttles -- also known as "mobile lounges" or "people movers" -- for transporting passenger between terminals and sometimes directly from airplanes. The now retro-looking vehicles are closely identified with the airport.

They have mostly been replaced by a interterminal subway system completed in 2010. Nevertheless the mobile lounges are still in use for some purposes.

Southwest released the following statement on the incident:

"On Thursday, Jan. 26, at approximately 7am, a Southwest Employee was involved in a collision between a baggage cart and a mobile lounge at Washington Dulles Airport. Immediately following the accident, the injured Employee was rushed to an area hospital to receive medical attention. We learned earlier today, Friday, Jan. 27, that the Employee passed away as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. We continue to work with all relevant agencies, including the local authorities and the airport, to investigate events surrounding the accident. The Southwest Airlines Family is greatly saddened by the passing of our Southwest Family Member, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies and support to his entire family at this time."

[credibility2]

...sad...there apparently isn't anyway for the baggage cart drivers to hear or know about a potential collision, plus the fact that the drivers of these carts are usually wearing head sets to protect their hearing from the plane engine noise...

[shelybomb]

I am a mother of a ramp agent at Southwest Airlines. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. Such a very sad story and I couldn't imagine what this family is going through right now.I pray they find the strength to get through this. Please know that your entire Southwest Airlines Family misses you and will never be the same without you!! May you rest in peace.