Car Crashes Into DTW Airport Terminal, Stops At Delta Check-In Counter

Car Crashes Into DTW Airport Terminal, Stops At Delta Check-In Counter

16

Thank goodness that there weren’t more serious injuries, since this could’ve ended a lot worse…

Man drives car into Detroit Airport terminal

At around 7:30PM on the evening of Friday, January 23, 2026, a car ended up in the terminal of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

Based on video footage posted online, it would appear that the car barreled through the glass doors that passengers would usually enter through. Even the poles intended to stop cars from entering the terminal weren’t enough to stop the vehicle, which eventually came to a stop at the Delta check-in counter. As you’d expect, there was glass and debris all over the terminal floor.

Six people were injured and treated on the scene. No injuries were life threatening, which is at least good news. The driver, who was wearing a Detroit Lions jersey, was then take into custody, and video footage of that is posted online as well.

The motive for the incident is being investigated

Obviously crashing a car into a crowded building sounds like something that could be an act of terrorism. However, there’s no indication that this was the case here, and authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.

Officials claim the driver was having “some kind of mental health episode,” and a K-9 found nothing of concern in the car or on the driver.

I certainly hope this wasn’t an act with intent to hurt others. Then again, one wonders what this guy was on that clouded his judgment to the point that he thought smashing through the glass doors of an airport terminal was the best course of action…

Bottom line

Six people suffered minor injuries after a car smashed through the glass doors of Detroit Airport, before coming to a stop at the Delta check-in counter. The driver was immediately taken into custody, and the motive is still be investigated. Fortunately this is something we don’t see often, because it sure is terrifying…

What do you make of this incident at DTW?

Conversations (16)
The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.
Type your response here.

If you'd like to participate in the discussion, please adhere to our commenting guidelines. Anyone can comment, and your email address will not be published. Register to save your unique username and earn special OMAAT reputation perks!

  1. VirginFlyer Guest

    Premium parking

  2. AeroB13a Diamond

    False News Update:

    The buzz is that the driver was an EU Army Veteran of the recent Afghan War, who was upset by the big mouth comments of a five times draft dodger.

    As if the GB government politicians aren’t bad enough, Adolf Trump, aka, draft dodger extraordinaire, has to follow a president who was only fit for the dementia care home.

    Thankfully, some of us will be checking out from this madcap world fairly soon …. but not until one has berated a few more prols!

    1. 1990 Guest

      So, your solution…is to just die? Ok…

  3. Pedro Guest

    Whenever I see a Delta aircraft at the airport I will always stop and salute, as a sign of respect just in case Tim is onboard the aircraft. Even if he is not on the aircraft then I think it is still an important way of me honoring what is undisputedly the best airline in the world, as Tim rightfully informs us.

    I can only assume here that the driver was also saluting a...

    Whenever I see a Delta aircraft at the airport I will always stop and salute, as a sign of respect just in case Tim is onboard the aircraft. Even if he is not on the aircraft then I think it is still an important way of me honoring what is undisputedly the best airline in the world, as Tim rightfully informs us.

    I can only assume here that the driver was also saluting a DL aircraft in case Tim was onboard but in the excitement they crashed into the airport building. It’s happened to the best of us over the years as seeing a Delta aircraft can be overwhelming for some of us.

  4. Samo Diamond

    The most premium crash!

    1. NSS Guest

      It was a Mercedes after all.

  5. UA-NYC Diamond

    Tim acting out as he’s pissed UA is on a better trajectory than DL

    1. 1990 Guest

      You have to admire his passion, though. It’s a shame he’s MAGA. *sigh*

      Speaking of United, why can’t they offer Polaris lounge access for premium transcon, like AA and DL both manage, especially for NYC-LAX/SFO. Like, c’mon.

    2. UA-NYC Diamond

      The most premium carrier doesn’t have room for every TCON pax, can’t lower the premium standards like DL

  6. Frog Guest

    I think he doesnt quite understand how curbside checkin works.

  7. Creditcrunch Diamond

    Car ramming barriers of peace did there job then!

  8. AeroB13a Diamond

    Was that you Tim, trying out ‘priority’ check out?

    1. 1990 Guest

      Hope he’s alright. Wouldn’t be the same without him here or at VFTW, LALF, Cranky, etc. Does Tim do other blogs, too? Is he a Reddit guy? LOL.

    2. Not a Detroiter Guest

      LOLOLOL Beat me to the joke. I explained to coworkers this morning that the McNamara terminal is in reality the house that Tim Dunn built. He even talked to Detroit Metro officials to pretty much move everybody else that isn't Delta Platinum or higher to the North Terminal.

    3. 1990 Guest

      Wait, Tim’s in Michigan? Uh. Wouldn’t have guessed that.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

UA-NYC Diamond

Tim acting out as he’s pissed UA is on a better trajectory than DL

2
1990 Guest

Wait, Tim’s in Michigan? Uh. Wouldn’t have guessed that.

0
1990 Guest

Mediocre…

0
Meet Ben Schlappig, OMAAT Founder
5,527,136 Miles Traveled

39,914,500 Words Written

42,354 Posts Published