Passengers Saw the Planes Getting Closer. Then, a Crash

Two Southwest jets made unwanted contact on a Rhode Island tarmac on Thursday night, according to the airline and federal officials. The FAA reports that the wing of Southwest Flight 3515 struck the tail of Southwest Flight 3409 around 10:45pm at Rhode Island's TF Green International Airport as one plane was pushing back to taxi, per WJAR. Both aircraft returned to their gates and passengers deplaned, with no injuries reported.

One traveler says he saw the planes getting close but "didn't think we would collide," adding that passengers had to shout to alert the cockpit after the impact. Per the New York Post, one of the passengers (it's not clear if it was the same one who spoke to WJAR) also tweeted on X: "My flight was delayed like 6 hours and then they hit a PARKED plane trying to leave."

Flight tracking site FlightAware listed the flight as canceled, with the aircraft rescheduled to depart on Friday afternoon instead. Southwest said it's investigating and that it will thoroughly inspect both planes. The airline has also rebooked affected customers, adding that safety is its top priority. The FAA also plans to investigate.