In a startling incident at one of the world's busiest airports, two Delta Air Lines planes collided on a taxiway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport early Tuesday morning. The collision involved a Delta Airbus A350, bound for Tokyo, and an Endeavor Air Bombardier CRJ900, which was preparing for departure to Lafayette, Louisiana.

The incident occurred around 10:10 a.m. local time when the wingtip of the Airbus A350, taxiing for departure, struck the tail of the Endeavor Air CRJ900. The impact was significant enough to sever the tail section of the smaller regional jet, causing substantial damage but, fortunately, no injuries to the passengers or crew on either aircraft.

Delta Air Lines confirmed the collision, stating that there were 221 passengers on the Tokyo-bound flight and 56 on the flight to Louisiana. All passengers were safely transported back to the terminal, where they were reaccommodated on alternate flights. The airline emphasized that safety protocols were immediately enacted, ensuring no one was harmed during the evacuation process.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the taxiway intersection where the collision took place. Initial reports suggest that the larger Airbus, weighing significantly more than the CRJ900, was moving when the collision occurred, though the exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under review.

Images and videos shared across social media platforms, including X, showed the aftermath with emergency vehicles surrounding the damaged planes. The incident has sparked discussions on aviation safety, particularly concerning the movement of aircraft on busy taxiways.

This event marks a rare occurrence at Hartsfield-Jackson, known for its high traffic but also for its stringent safety measures. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to collaborate with the FAA in a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the collision, focusing on pilot communication, air traffic control instructions, and the layout of the taxiways.

Delta has assured the public and its customers that it is fully cooperating with the authorities to understand what led to this incident and to prevent any future occurrences. As one of the largest airlines in the world, Delta's commitment to safety remains paramount, promising a thorough review of its taxiing procedures.

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