Driver in Custody After Car Smashes Into Detroit Metropolitan Airport Terminal
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
A driver is in custody after a car crashed into a ticket counter at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, injuring six; the terminal was quickly secured.
Key Takeaways
- •Incident occurred at DTW's McNamara Terminal around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026.
- •Vehicle drove through the entrance and struck a Delta Air Lines check-in counter, causing minor injuries to six people.
- •The driver was taken into custody by WCAA Police; the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
- •Airport operations were not impacted, demonstrating effective emergency response and operational continuity.
A driver is currently in custody following a highly unusual security incident at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) on Friday evening.
The vehicle, reportedly a Mercedes sedan, crashed through the entrance of the busy DTW McNamara Terminal. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, sending glass and debris across the check-in area.
Incident Details and Response
The car struck a Delta Air Lines ticket counter inside the terminal. The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) Police Department confirmed the driver was taken into custody shortly after the crash.
Six people were treated at the scene by the WCAA Fire Department. Injuries were reported as minor. Delta Air Lines confirmed three of its employees were checked for injuries after encountering debris.
Witnesses reported the driver exited the vehicle while shouting and gesturing. The cause of the crash is officially unknown. However, some reports suggest the driver may have suffered a mental episode.
Aviation Security and Operational Impact
Authorities quickly secured the area within the McNamara Terminal. The Wayne County Airport Authority investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances.
- Terminal Damage: The immediate check-in area sustained structural damage from the vehicle impact.
- Passenger Safety: The quick response by airport police and TSA personnel helped manage the immediate panic.
Despite the dramatic nature of the car crashes into airport terminal event, airport operations were not significantly impacted. Flight schedules at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport continued without major delays. This highlights the resilience of airport emergency response procedures.
This incident raises questions about airport security vehicle barrier effectiveness near terminal entrances. The event underscores the need for continuous review of landside security measures. The Wayne County Airport Authority will likely assess potential physical security enhancements following this breach.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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