A Southwest Airlines flight preparing for takeoff was unexpectedly interrupted when a bullet struck the aircraft at Dallas Love Field airport.
On Friday evening, Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 was preparing for a routine departure to Indianapolis International Airport. Around 8:30 p.m., as the plane was taxiing, a bullet hit near the cockpit, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to USA TODAY. The Boeing 737-800, damaged by gunfire, was immediately instructed to return to the gate.
Upon its return, all passengers were safely deplaned with no injuries reported. A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines clarified that the bullet appeared to have struck the right side of the aircraft, just below the flight deck, while preparations for takeoff were underway.
Law enforcement officials, including Dallas police and Dallas Fire-Rescue, quickly responded to the incident scene, ensuring that airport operations remained largely unaffected. The aircraft involved in the incident has since been removed from service pending a full investigation.
Southwest Airlines confirmed in a statement to Reuters that no injuries occurred during the event. Consequently, local authorities and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have been contacted to provide further details about the shooting.
Dallas Love Field airport also took to social network platform X to reassure the public that there was minimal impact on airport operations and that safety protocols were effectively implemented.
The incident posed no physical harm to the passengers or crew, but it raised significant safety concerns that are now under thorough investigation by appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Source: News-journalonlin
