Plane Hits Semitrailer And Light Pole On NJ Turnpike; Driver Injured

NEWARK, NJ — A United Airlines plane struck a light pole and a semitrailer on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing Sunday in Newark, authorities said, injuring the truck driver and causing damage.

A landing tire and the underside of the plane hit the pole and the semi around 2 p.m. at turnpike interchange 14, on the ramp to the southbound lanes in Newark, while the aircraft was making its final approach into Newark Liberty International Airport, according to authorities. The pole then struck a Jeep traveling on the turnpike, state police said.

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The light post was damaged, as was the semi, which was traveling south on the turnpike, according to Port Authority, which added that the truck's driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries but had since been released. The plane had minor damage as well.

"The aircraft landed safely, taxied to the gate normally and no passengers or crew were injured," United said in a prepared statement. "Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft. We will conduct a rigorous flight safety investigation into the incident and our crew has been removed from service as part of the process."

The Boeing 767-400 was carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew members who were traveling from Venice on flight 169.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident, according to the agency.