(EDITORS: This story may not be used on websites) (EDITORS: This story may not be used on websites) ADVERTISING NEW YORK — The nosegear on a Southwest Airlines jet landing at LaGuardia Airport collapsed Monday afternoon, forcing the emergency exit
(EDITORS: This story may not be used on websites)
NEW YORK — The nosegear on a Southwest Airlines jet landing at LaGuardia Airport collapsed Monday afternoon, forcing the emergency exit of passengers and causing flight delays of up to 90 minutes, officials said.
At least six people have been injured, with 149 passengers onboard the plane, which was scheduled to continue on to Denver, according to multiple media reports.
The extent of the injuries was not known. Several ambulances were reportedly next to the plane early Monday night.
The FAA’s website reported that travelers at LaGuardia should expect delays of up to 90 minutes. All flights bound for LaGuardia have been held until 8 p.m. at their origins, according to FlightAware.com, which tracks airline flights in real time.
Television news reports showed the Boeing 737’s nose dipped toward the ground, its inflatable emergency exit slides deployed, and the aircraft surrounded by emergency vehicles.
Southwest Airlines reported on its Twitter feed that its Flight 345 was attempting to land at LaGuardia after taking off from Nashville when the problem occurred. According to Southwest Airlines’ website, the flight left Nashville at 2:33 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive at LaGuardia at 5:50 p.m. The website lists the seating capacity for the flight at 143. About a dozen emergency vehicles were seen responding to the scene.
Officials with the Port Authority, which oversees operations at LaGuardia Airport, declined to comment Monday.
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