ANN Realtime
Update, 2333, 12.09.05: A Chicago hospital has confirmed
that an eight-year-old boy, a passenger in a ground vehicle struck
by the SWA 737 has died. The boys parents and two brothers were
also involved in the crash. The parents are listed in serious
condition, the siblings' condition is not yet known.
Original Report, 2049, 12.09.05: A Southwest
Airlines Boeing 737 is reported off the runway after failing to
stop, while landing, at the Chicago-Midway airport.
The aircraft went off the end of the runway and through a
perimeter fence before coming to rest in a bordering street (55th
and Cicero Ave.). There were approximately 90 people on board, and
injuries have been reported. The accident occurred to an inbound
Baltimore flight (#1248) at 1900 local time. Passengers have been
evacuated from the aircraft and bussed to another location.
The aircraft appears to have suffered a collapsed nosegear and
some damage to at least one engine. A motor vehicle is also
reported to have either been struck by the jet or may have the
struck the jet as it came through the fence. Local conditions
included gusting winds and blowing snow... runway conditions were
described as "slick."
Southwest Airlines Confirms Incident
Southwest Statement: Southwest Airlines' Flight
1248 veered off the runway at Chicago Midway Airport at
approximately 7:15 p.m. CST onto Central and 55th Ave. The
aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 was enroute from Baltimore/Washington to
Chicago Midway.
The aircraft departed Baltimore/Washington at 4:50 p.m. CST. The
flight was expected to land at 6:30 p.m. CST. The flight circled
Chicago Midway Airport landing at approximately 7:15 p.m. CST.
The preliminary passenger list indicated the aircraft carried 98
passengers with a crew of five, although this is subject to
confirmation. The names of any passengers will not be released
until the appropriate family members have been notified.
Southwest Airlines' officials are in direct contact with the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) as they perform an investigation into
the cause of this accident.
A toll-free number has been established by Southwest Airlines to
assist friends and family members wanting information about
passengers onboard Flight 1248. That number is (800) 922-9525.
Periodic updates will also be posted on the Internet.