A United Airlines flight collided with a bakery truck and knocked over a light pole while crossing over a crowded New Jersey highway as it came in to land.
Flight UA169, which was arriving into the Garden State after traveling from Venice, Italy, hit the vehicle on approach into Newark International Airport on Sunday.
Shocking footage has since emerged of the jet striking a bakery van as it glided over the New Jersey Turnpike.
Remarkably the driver of the vehicle, who disappeared amongst the debris in the harrowing clip, managed to escape without any serious injury.
Chuck Paterakis, senior VP of Transportation & Logistics at H&S Bakery, told KOMO News that the wheel of the plane hit the truck.
He said: ‘To me, that everybody on that plane, everybody and the driver, God was looking after them, there’s no doubt if we did that scenario again, I don’t know if anybody could’ve survived that.’
Paterakis said the driver attended hospital on Sunday night but only sustained small cuts, he was later released.
The plane, which was arriving into New Jersey after traveling from Venice, Italy, hit the vehicle on Sunday afternoon
The driver disappeared in a split second after the plane made contact in the horrifying footage
The passenger jet was carrying 221 people onboard as well as a crew of ten when it collided with the truck just before 2pm.
In a statement, United made no mention of the truck but instead mentioned a light pole that also came into contact with the jet.
‘Upon its final approach into Newark International Airport, United flight 169 came into contact with a light pole.
‘The aircraft landed safely, taxied to the gate normally and no passengers or crew were injured.
‘Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft and we will investigate how this occurred’, the firm said.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed the plane caused damage to both a tractor trailer and the light pole
The FAA said they are investigating the incident, adding: ‘While on approach to land at Newark Liberty International Airport, United Airlines Flight 169 struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike around 2 p.m. The Boeing 767 landed safely and was arriving from Venice, Italy.’
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed the plane caused damage to both a tractor trailer and the light pole and that the driver has since been released from hospital.
In a statement, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said: ‘I’ve been briefed on the incident involving United Flight 169 at Newark Liberty International Airport.
‘I’m grateful the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew are unharmed. Initial reports indicate that a truck on the Turnpike may also have been involved, and we will continue to monitor developments. United is investigating how this occurred.’
The Daily Mail has approached United for further comment.
