A man has been killed after being struck by a commercial aeroplane that was landing on the runway at an airport in Texas.
Soon after the flight landed at Austin-Bergstrom Airport, the pilot of the flight, which was operated by Southwest Airlines, reported seeing a person who had somehow got onto the runway as the plane was touching down.
Southwest Airlines Flight 1392, a Boeing 737 aircraft that was arriving from Dallas, landed at the airport at 8.12pm, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Authority.
The FAA went on to say the body of a man was later found on the runway by the driver of an airport operations vehicle.
The man was not carrying any identification, nor was he dressed as an airport employee.
A spokesperson for the airport, Bryce Dubee, said that officials don't think that the man was supposed be on the runway, but they are investigating the circumstances and events that led him to be there.
In response to the incident, Southwest Airlines has released the following statement: "Southwest flight #1392 arrived safely this evening at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) after being cleared to land on runway 17R.
"The Southwest aircraft maneuvered to avoid an individual who became visible on runway 17R shortly after touchdown.
"The aircraft quickly came to a safe stop, and the pilots reported the event to local air traffic controllers.
"After receiving further instructions from controllers, the aircraft taxied to a gate where all customers and crew deplaned the aircraft safely with no reports of onboard injuries.
"Tonight's flight landed at 8.12pm CDT, after arriving from Dallas Love Field (DAL). Southwest is fully cooperating with local law enforcement and FAA as those agencies investigate the event.
"We sincerely thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response."
On Twitter, the airport said: "According to initial information, Southwest Airlines Flight 1392 reported to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport that they saw an unauthorised individual on runway 17-right, after their aircraft touched down at 8.12pm central time on Tuesday.
"AUS Airport Operations investigated the report and found the victim on the runway.
"Austin-Travis Emergency Medical Services responded to the incident and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
"The Austin Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation."
They later added: "The crime scene has been cleared and maintenance is preparing the runway to reopen.
"Operations will resume as normal and AUS will continue to work closely with APD on the ongoing investigation.
"No additional available information is available at this time."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: US News