A Delta Airlines plane carrying Carolina Panthers players ran off the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport early Friday (August 9) morning after the team returned from its 17-3 preseason loss to the New England Patriots, the airline confirmed to WCNC.
The incident involving Delta Flight 8860 took place at around 2:35 a.m., shortly after the aircraft, which departed from Providence, Rhode Island, landed at the Charlotte airport.
“The right main gear of Delta 8860 exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a normal arrival,” the airline said via WCNC.
Emergency vehicles reportedly rushed to the scene moments after the plane went off the runway. Witnesses present at the airport said the plane was carrying an unknown number of Panthers players.
Delta Airlines confirmed that none of the 188 passengers onboard the flight were injured during the incident. The passengers were able to deplane and "bused to the terminal," Delta confirmed to WCNC.
“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience,” Delta said in its statement.
The incident took place hours after four American Airlines flight attendants were reportedly hurt during a flight from Tampa Bay that experienced unexpected turbulence before making a safe landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the airline confirmed to WBTV. The four flight attendants were reportedly evaluated at a local hospital after the incident, though no passengers experienced injuries.