Severe Storm Unleashes Chaos at Buenos Aires Airport
A shocking incident unfolded at the Aeroparque Jorge Newbery airport in Buenos Aires when a powerful storm, featuring 100mph winds, wreaked havoc on Sunday. The tumultuous weather led to the dramatic collision of an Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737-700 with a passenger staircase, causing significant damage.
Violent Winds Send Plane Off Course
Caught on camera, the distressing moment saw the Boeing 737 being blown across the runway towards a passenger boarding staircase. The aircraft crashed into the staircase, causing it to topple, and the plane itself turned onto its side. The strong winds propelled a section of the plane’s wing into a building on the runway.
Aftermath and Flight Cancellations
The 17-year-old plane, registered as LV-CAD, sustained considerable damage in the incident. Consequently, its scheduled flight to Mendoza Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport on Sunday morning was canceled as the aircraft underwent necessary repairs.
In an official statement, Aerolineas Argentinas revealed that the severe storm disrupted airport operations, leading to the cancellation of 100 flights and numerous delays and rescheduling.
Widespread Impact of the Storm
The severe electrical storm, which struck Argentina and neighboring Uruguay over the weekend, resulted in significant casualties and widespread damage. At least 16 people lost their lives, with Uruguay reporting two fatalities due to strong wind gusts.
In Argentina, a woman in Moreno was fatally injured by a falling tree branch, while thirteen others lost their lives in Bahia Blanca when a wall collapsed during the storm. Argentine President Javier Milei visited the accident site, witnessing the aftermath of the powerful winds that also downed trees and lamp posts across the capital, Buenos Aires.
