NEWARK, N.J. (Reuters) — A parked Continental Airlines passenger plane lurched through a wall and glass windows at Newark International Airport Wednesday in a freak accident that caused minor injuries to six cleaners, officials said.
No crew or passengers were on board the MD-80 aircraft when it suddenly moved forward at 4:50 A.M. EDT while mechanics were attempting routine overnight engine inspection, Continental Airlines spokeswoman Sarah Anthony said.
"One of the engines fired up (turned on) and the aircraft surged forward, hitting the terminal," the spokeswoman said. "We don't know the extent of the damage at this point. . . . The aircraft was lodged in the building."
Six cleaners were slightly injured in the accident, said Continental Airlines and an airport spokesman.
The aircraft was parked at terminal C when "for an undetermined reason the plane lurched forward and crashed through the wall at gate 114," said Airport spokesman Steve Coleman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.