Chaos erupted inside Detroit Metropolitan Airport Friday night after a vehicle smashed through the entrance of the McNamara Terminal and slammed into a Delta Air Lines check-in counter, prompting a rapid law enforcement response and sending travelers scrambling.
The crash occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time, according to airport officials. Video from the scene showed the car fully inside the terminal, surrounded by police, TSA agents, and firefighters as debris littered the floor.
Witnesses described hearing a loud bang as the vehicle burst through the glass entrance. Moments later, a man was seen exiting the car and shouting before being swarmed by officers.
Social media footage showed the suspect wearing a black Detroit Lions jersey as he was dragged away by multiple law enforcement personnel. What he was yelling remains unclear.
Police and TSA agents responded within seconds, according to bystanders who praised the speed of the response.
“The response was so quick, thank God,” traveler Ali Khalifa told WXYZ-TV. “It all happened in seconds.”
Airport authorities confirmed the driver was taken into custody. His identity has not been released and officials have not yet determined whether the crash was intentional or accidental.
The Wayne County Airport Authority said its police department is actively investigating the incident, per the Daily Mail.
“A vehicle drove into the entrance of the McNamara Terminal, striking a ticket counter,” the agency said in a statement. “The driver is in custody and the cause of the crash is unknown at this time.”
Firefighters with the Wayne County Airport Authority treated six people at the scene. Officials did not specify whether those treated were passengers, employees, or first responders.
Delta Air Lines said no serious injuries were reported, though three of its employees were evaluated by emergency medical personnel after coming into contact with debris from the crash.
Photos from inside the terminal showed shattered glass, twisted metal door frames, and a stretcher positioned near the destroyed entrance. The doors through which the vehicle entered were ripped off their hinges, leaving a trail of damage across the check-in area.
Flights continued operating, though the immediate area around the crash was secured while authorities assessed the damage and ensured there was no ongoing threat.
Detroit Metro Airport officials said they are gathering information and will release additional details as the investigation continues.
The McNamara Terminal is the airport’s largest and busiest terminal, primarily serving Delta Air Lines. The incident triggered immediate concern among travelers, especially given the lack of clarity around the driver’s motive.
Officials have not indicated whether terrorism or mental health issues are being considered, stressing that it is too early to conclude.
The crash comes amid heightened security awareness at major transportation hubs nationwide, following a series of unrelated high-profile incidents and travel disruptions.
For now, authorities say the situation is contained and the public is not in danger.
