Passengers at Detroit Metro Airport may have noticed new large yellow concrete barriers designed to prevent vehicles from crashing into terminals. Following a recent incident in which a man drove his Mercedes‑Benz into McNamara Terminal, 9,000‑pound blocks have been installed around both terminals as part of increased security measures.
On the night of January 23, the driver, who has remained unnamed since he has not been charged, turned sharply off the road and barreled through glass doors before hitting a Delta Airlines check-in counter. He was taken into custody following the crash and is undergoing psychiatric evaluations, reported clickondetroit. Despite the startling nature of the breach, operations returned to normal the next day, with six people treated for injuries related to the incident.
Chad Newton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority, deemed the episode unprecedented in his 27-year tenure, emphasizing a shift in security approach. "The building features design elements intended to prevent a crash, but they turned out to be inadequate to stop the car," Newton said in a statement obtained by CBS News Detroit. The barriers are now staggered at every terminal to enhance security and thwart similar events.
Travelers had mixed reactions. Some, like Kim Beauchamp, approved of the airport’s swift action, while a former FBI agent said the barriers were necessary, arguing that even one incident is too many. According to WXYZ reports, frequent flyer Jack Akey called the response excessive, noting how rare such events are.
The Wayne County Airport Authority will hold a press conference with an update on the investigation. Officials, including CEO Chad Newton, said future barriers and more permanent solutions are being considered to ensure the safety of all visitors and employees.
