Breaking: Southwest Airlines Plane Struck by Gunfire in Dallas
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A Southwest Airlines flight at Dallas Love Field was struck by gunfire on Friday night, the airline has confirmed.
The aircraft, which was preparing for departure to Indianapolis, was hit during the incident, but no injuries were reported.
Dallas police responded to reports of the shooting at approximately 9:48 p.m. at 8000 Herb Keller Way.
According to WFAA, citing a police source, the flight had 99 passengers on board at the time.
In a statement on Saturday, Southwest Airlines provided more 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 launched an investigation into the incident, which remains ongoing.
FAA Restricts Flights to Haiti Following Gunfire Incidents
In related news, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily banned U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti following a series of gunfire attacks targeting planes at or near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince.
The FAA issued the 30-day restriction after reports that Haitian gangs opened fire on three planes earlier this week.
On Monday, a Spirit Airlines flight attempting to land was struck by multiple bullets, injuring a flight attendant. The aircraft was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic.
Additional incidents followed, with American Airlines and JetBlue flights departing Port-au-Prince discovering bullet holes during post-flight inspections.
The FAA cited escalating violence as a serious threat to aviation safety in the region, prompting the temporary ban.