18 injured in people carrier crash at Washington-area airport

November 11, 2025

A mobile lounge vehicle crashed into a dock at Washington Dulles International Airport on Monday afternoon, sending at least 18 passengers to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. These aging transportation vehicles, which have ferried passengers between planes and terminals since 1959, have faced longstanding criticism for being outdated and have been involved in numerous accidents over the past decade, including one fatal incident. The crash occurred while the vehicle was approaching the terminal at an angle after transporting passengers from Concourse D, also causing some damage to the terminal structure.

Who is affected

At least 18 passengers who were injured and transported to hospital
Passengers using Washington Dulles International Airport
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)
International travelers using Dulles airport as a gateway to Washington DC

What action is being taken

The injured passengers have been taken to hospital
The airport remains open and operating normally
The Trump administration has ordered 40 airports, including Dulles, to reduce air traffic by 10% due to staffing shortages

Why it matters

This incident highlights serious safety concerns with decades-old transportation infrastructure at a major international airport serving the nation's capital. The mobile lounges have a documented history of accidents, including 16 incidents over a 10-year period and one fatal crash, raising questions about passenger safety and the adequacy of airport modernization efforts. The crash is particularly significant as it occurred during a government shutdown that has already strained airport operations and staffing levels.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC