An Emirates Airbus A380-861 was severely damaged after a vehicle at Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) in Russian lost control and became trapped under the superjumbo.
According to Russian outlet Interfax, the vehicle, which is used to transport drinking water, crashed into the Emirates Airbus A380 after he suffered a sudden deterioration in his health while driving.
Additional media organizations commented that the 59-year-old male vehicle driver was left paralyzed after having a stroke before impacting with the aircraft and was subsequently rushed to hospital.
Photos from the scene show the airport vehicle wedged beneath the Emirates Airbus A380 while the fuselage on the aircraft’s underbelly has been sheared open.
The Emirates A380 superjumbo, registered A6-EDM, was due to depart Moscow for Dubai International Airport (DXB) on March 28, 2024, at 16:25 local time but was subsequently canceled following the incident.
The Russian Interregional Transport Prosecutor’s Office in Moscow is leading the investigation and confirmed that the damage sustained by the A380 is being assessed.
“After all the circumstances of this incident have been clarified, the actions of the airport workers will be assessed, and if there are grounds, prosecutorial response measures will be taken,” the Interregional Transport Prosecutor’s Office said.
Dubai has maintained good relations with Russia since Ukraine was invaded in 2022 and has continued to operate flights to and from the country.
However, sanctions imposed on Russia could pose difficulties on Emirates ability to mend the aircraft without access to replacement parts.
“During the servicing of flight EK134, aircraft 380-800 was damaged. There were no passengers on the aircraft. At the moment, the aircraft is suspended from flights and its technical condition is being assessed,” Emirates said in a statement following the accident.
The airline added: “All affected passengers have been rebooked on a later Emirates flight. Emirates regrets any inconvenience caused, the safety of its passengers and crew is of paramount importance.”