"Screams During the Celebration"... Passenger Plane Hit by Fireworks at 60 Meters While Landing

Delta Air Lines Jet Struck by Fireworks While Landing at Chicago Airport
Pilot Reports "Tremendous Explosion"
Minor Paint Damage Found on Aircraft

On the night of July 4, the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence Day, a passenger plane was struck by celebratory fireworks while landing.

On July 4, 2026, fireworks celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States explode over the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, USA, in honor of Independence Day. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to CNN, at around 8:30 p.m. that evening, Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 was attempting to land at Chicago Midway International Airport in Illinois. The passenger jet, which had departed from Atlanta, Georgia, experienced a sudden jolt as it was descending. The collision occurred at an altitude of just 60 meters above the ground.

The pilot urgently reported to the control tower, saying, "Our plane was just hit by fireworks." The pilot also added, "We felt a tremendous explosion."

On July 4, 2026, after being suspended due to heavy rain and severe weather in the National Mall area of Washington DC, USA, citizens dressed in red, white, and blue are watching fireworks at the Great American State Fair. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

The control tower responded, "There have been several similar reports, so please check for any aircraft damage." The controller then jokingly warned another pilot preparing to land, "Welcome to the war zone." This underscores how indiscriminate fireworks displays around the airport posed a threat to arriving flights.

The passenger plane landed safely. All 52 passengers and six crew members were unharmed.

Delta Air Lines stated that an inspection found no damage to the aircraft. In contrast, the Chicago Police reported that there was minor paint damage to the plane. Even small fragments can pose a threat to low-flying aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an official investigation.

Citizens of Washington DC are watching the fireworks display celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Independence Day. Photo by AP Yonhap News

July 4, Independence Day, is marked by large-scale fireworks displays across the United States. On the same day, a fire broke out due to a malfunctioning firework device on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Fireworks that had been installed on the bridge deck struck the upper structure immediately after being launched, igniting a fire. Two fire trucks were dispatched to extinguish the blaze.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.