At a Glance
- A car drove into a terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport on January 23, 2026.
- The vehicle struck a ticket counter in the McNamara Terminal, leaving six people with injuries.
- The driver was taken into custody, but the cause of the crash remains unknown.
- Why it matters: The incident disrupted airport operations and raised questions about security and mental health protocols.
A car drove into a terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport on January 23, 2026, causing a chaotic scene that left six people injured and a vehicle driver in police custody. The incident unfolded in the McNamara Terminal, where the car struck a ticket counter and forced emergency services to scramble to the scene.
The Incident
At around 7:30 p.m. local time, a dark-colored Mercedes entered the entrance of the McNamara Terminal and collided with a Delta ticket counter. The impact shattered the kiosk and forced the entrance door to swing open, allowing the vehicle to drive inside. Six people-passengers and staff-required medical treatment at the scene.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:28 p.m. | Vehicle approaches terminal entrance |
| 7:30 p.m. | Collision with ticket counter |
| 7:32 p.m. | Police and TSA arrive on scene |
| 7:35 p.m. | Driver taken into custody |
The footage captured by Metro Detroit News shows the car’s path: it slammed into the counter, the kiosk shattered, and the entrance door swung open, creating a brief window for the vehicle to enter.
Immediate Response
Police cordoned off the area and began securing the wreckage. Firefighters moved aside broken door frames that remained on their hinges, while emergency medical teams treated the injured. Airport officials confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, though three employees were checked after encountering debris.
Key Actions
- Airport Security: Detained the driver and secured the terminal entrance.
- TSA: Assisted in crowd control and ensured passenger safety.
- Firefighters: Removed broken door frames and cleared debris.
- Medical Personnel: Provided on-scene treatment for six individuals.
The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) Police Department issued a statement on X confirming the incident and the driver’s subsequent arrest. The WCAA said the cause of the crash is currently unknown.
Footage and Evidence
Multiple video clips were released by local news outlets. A CBS News clip shows the broken ticket kiosk and the entrance to the terminal that the car breached. In another clip, the driver-wearing a black Detroit Lions jersey-yells incoherently as airport security attempts to detain him. The footage underscores the sudden nature of the incident and the rapid response by airport staff.
Statements from Authorities
The WCAA Police Department stated: “The driver of the car, who has not been publicly identified, was subsequently taken into custody. The cause of the crash is currently unknown.”
Delta Airlines, which operates flights from the McNamara Terminal, told CBS News that no injuries were reported. The airline added that three employees were checked by emergency personnel after encountering debris, and that there was no operational impact.
Sources told the outlet that the driver may have suffered a mental episode. It remains unknown whether the driver will face charges in connection with the incident.
Impact on Operations
Delta Airlines noted that the incident did not affect flight schedules or operations. However, the airport’s security protocols were temporarily heightened while the investigation proceeded. The incident highlighted the need for rapid response coordination among police, TSA, airport security, and emergency services.
Witness Accounts
Ali Khalifa, a traveler who witnessed the incident, told WXYZ-TV that the event happened quickly and prompted a rapid response:
> “The response was so quick, thank God with the cops and TSA and everybody,” Khalifa told the outlet. “That all happened in seconds.”
His testimony reflects the swift action taken by airport personnel and the minimal disruption to passengers.
Key Takeaways
- A vehicle crashed into the McNamara Terminal’s ticket counter, injuring six people.
- The driver was arrested, but the cause remains unknown.
- Delta Airlines confirmed no operational impact.
- Witnesses praised the rapid response by police and TSA.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures and the need for mental health resources within transportation hubs.
