A vehicle crashed into the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport on Friday evening, January 23, 2026, injuring six people and causing significant damage before the driver was taken into custody. The incident temporarily disrupted airport operations, but services have since returned to normal.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. when a car broke through glass check-in doors at the Delta Airlines ticket counter in the McNamara Terminal. Authorities from the Wayne County Airport Authority reported that the vehicle struck the counter, leading to the injury of six individuals who were treated on scene by firefighters. While no serious injuries were immediately apparent, all six received medical attention, though the specific nature of their injuries was not disclosed.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Charges have not yet been determined as the investigation is ongoing. Airport officials stated that the cause of the crash remains unknown, and they are working to understand the circumstances that led to the vehicle entering the terminal area.
In the aftermath, the entrance to the terminal was boarded up within a couple of hours, and operations at the airport were largely normalized by Saturday morning. However, the baggage check area was temporarily blocked from public view as repairs commenced. The quick response allowed for minimal disruption to travel schedules, with most flights proceeding as planned.
Travelers at the airport expressed shock and concern over the security breach. Some, like Sean Younger from the Lansing area, remarked on the surprising ability of a vehicle to cause such damage, suggesting that more passive controls could prevent similar incidents in the future. Morgan Wheatley of Ann Arbor echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures.
Airport Communication Director Matt Morawski noted that bollards are already in place outside the terminal, but the incident has prompted a review of security protocols. The vehicle was removed promptly, and efforts are underway to assess and reinforce barriers to prevent future occurrences. Social media videos circulating showed the car inside the terminal and a man being removed from the area, though it is unclear if he was the driver.
Looking ahead, authorities continue to investigate the crash, with potential charges pending against the driver. Delta Airlines has been contacted regarding the impact on their services, but no major disruptions were reported. The airport authority emphasized that safety remains a top priority, and they are taking steps to ensure such an event does not happen again, while maintaining normal operations for travelers.
