The Beverage Cart Rodeo Everyone’s Watching

Chaos ensued on the tarmac of Chicago O’Hare International Airport yesterday when an American Airlines catering cart began uncontrollably spinning near an aircraft and ground personnel. A video captured by Dr. Kevin Klauer shows the cart circling wildly in donuts while workers try to avoid getting hit.

Crazy event at ORD. Heads up safety move by a ramp worker! pic.twitter.com/SQi5zB0Ooz

— Kevin Klauer DO, EJD (@Emergidoc) September 30, 2019

As the cart continued to spin out of control with items flying across the tarmac, a heroic employee slammed another vehicle into the cart, toppling it over and stopping the madness. According to Dr. Klauer and other people in the terminal during the scene, the event was humorous at first, but quickly became an apparent safety concern. It was stated that the terminal was relatively quiet while this all played out, with some people voicing concern, but when the cart was stopped, everyone erupted in applause. After the incident concluded, Dr. Klauer posted the clip on Twitter with the captain, “Crazy event at ORD. Heads up safety move by a ramp worker!” By the time he landed in Knoxville, his video had gone viral with thousands of messages and notifications in his inbox.

Reportedly, a stuck accelerator may be the culprit of this unique event, although American has said that it is still investigating. Fortunately, there was no one in the cart when the movement started and it narrowly avoided hitting workers and the nearby aircraft.

American Airlines has made a statement on the event: “We appreciate the quick action of our team member who stopped the vehicle. No serious injuries reported.” Additionally, they commended the heroic employee, stating, “We appreciate the quick action of our team member who stopped the vehicle. Safety is our top priority and we are working with our partners to investigate the incident.”

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