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AA worker in lucky escape after plunging off airport parking garage
An American Airlines worker had a miraculous escape after driving a van off the fourth floor of a parking garage and plunged 40 feet below, with the van landing on its roof.
Driver Orlando Luna, 59, remarkably only suffered minor injuries in the fall at Miami International Airport.
American Airlines spokeswoman Alexis Aran Coello said Luna works in the airline’s aircraft maintenance training department.
Luna apparently smashed through the wall of the parking garage and the van flipped before crashing down on the tarmac.
Video and still footage showed a mangled van on its roof
Luna was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the accident, Miami-Dade Police said.
"On arrival, our units found the vehicle on the ground. The patient was able to remove himself from the vehicle," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Kirston Miller.
No operations were impacted at the airport.
"The best thing that we know right now is he was wearing his seatbelt, and that could be the cause of why he’s still here with us today," said Miami-Dade Police detective Argemis Colome.
The airline later issued a statement: "Our colleague sustained minor injuries, but out of an abundance of caution, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. We appreciate the assistance of the Miami-Dade Police Department and the other first responders who quickly took care of our team member."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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