JUST IN: Southwest plane struck by gunfire in US
A Southwest Airlines plane was reportedly struck by gunfire at Dallas Love Field on Friday night, according to the airline.
A spokesperson for Southwest said the plane, preparing for departure to Indianapolis, was hit but no injuries were reported.
The Dallas Police Department responded to the shooting at approximately 9:48 p.m. at 8000 Herb Keller Way.
WFAA, citing a police source on Saturday, reported that 99 people were aboard the flight when the incident occurred.
In a statement on Saturday, Southwest Airlines confirmed the details:
“Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 taxied safely back to the terminal at Dallas Love Field after a bullet apparently struck the right side of the aircraft just under the flight deck while the Crew was preparing for departure for Indianapolis. No injuries were reported. Southwest will accommodate our Customers on another flight. Law enforcement authorities have been notified and the plane has been removed from service.”
The Dallas Police Department has stated that its investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Haitian airport gunfire
In related aviation news, New York Post reported on Saturday that the Federal Aviation Administration has banned U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after a series of gunfire incidents targeting planes at or near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince.
Earlier this week, Haitian gangs reportedly shot at three planes. A Spirit Airlines flight was hit by multiple bullets on Monday as it attempted to land, grazing a flight attendant and forcing the plane to divert to the Dominican Republic.
On the following day, American Airlines and JetBlue flights departing from Port-au-Prince were also hit, with bullet holes discovered during post-flight inspections.
The agency highlighted the escalating violence as a major concern for aviation safety in the region.
