Southwest airline worker dies after accident on Dulles airfield

Chantilly - In a tragic accident, a worker at Dulles International Airport died after a collision that occurred on the airport's airfield.

The collision occurred between a baggage cart and mobile lounge on Thurs. morning at approximately 7 a.m., reported local ABC News affiliate WJLA. Robert Yingling, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said the Southwest employee was driving the baggage cart when a collision occurred with one of the people movers that carry passengers to the some of the airport gates not connected to the main terminal. The accident occurred near the B concourse. After the accident the Southwest employee was immediately airlifted to Inova Fairfax Hospital, reported the Washington Post. The airline learned the next morning he had passed away. Southwest spokesperson Brandy King said in a statement to MSNBC, "We continue to work with the local authorities and the airport to investigate the accident. The Southwest Airlines Family is greatly saddened by the passing of our Southwest Family Member, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies and support to his entire family at this time." The employee's name will not be published out of respect for the family during this difficult time. NYC Aviation reported Dulles is one of few airports in the world that still uses Plane Mates (people movers) to transport passengers between terminals. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority's website says the airport currently maintains a fleet of 19 Mobile Lounges and 30 Plane Mates to service passengers between the main terminal/airport facilities and the aircraft. In 2004 the airport opened a new passenger walkway between the Main Terminal and Concourse B. In Jan. 2010 it replaced most of the Mobile people movers with AeroTrain, which operates on an underground dual track system. No charges have been filed at this time. Currently authorities are conducting an investigation into the accident.