Chilling audio captures pilot reporting ‘loud bang’ after firework hit plane in midair during wild July 4 celebrations
THIS is the chilling moment a pilot radios air traffic control after his packed passenger plane is struck by a stray firework mid-flight.
Shocking footage shows a Delta Airlines flight preparing to land at Chicago‘s Midway International Airport when it is hit by a pyrotechnic.
The concerned pilot is heard in released audio making an emergency call to control room to alert them of the collision.
In the audio, the pilot says: “Tower, we just had a firework hit our plane, Delta 1076, we’re continuing.
“We just heard a bang on the plane… We’re just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang.”
The firework fortunately only caused minor damage, and the plane landed safely just after 20.30pm on Saturday night.
A company spokesperson confirmed none of the 52 passengers and six crew members aboard were injured.
The aircraft is now being inspected for further damage, reports CBS.
Prior to the shocking incident, air traffic controllers can be heard warning the pilot about possible collisions.
“Delta 1076… use caution, there are multiple homes near the approach end shooting off fireworks,” a controller said.
“There have been multiple reports as you can imagine.”
Delta Flight 1076 took off from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport earlier that evening.
This comes amid wider jubilant Fourth of July celebrations across the country.
In New York, dramatic footage captured Brooklyn Bridge erupting in flames as fireworks exploded overhead.
The blaze broke out at around 9.32pm – roughly 30 minutes after the annual fireworks display got underway.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, battling the flames before bringing the incident under control.
Police believe the blaze was “very likely” sparked by the huge fireworks extravaganza.
The fire was extinguished by around 10pm as two fire engines were seen tackling the inferno.
America’s 250th anniversary events have been thrown into chaos as an intense heatwave grips the country.
Officials have warned of dangerous “triple-digit” temperatures.
The Fourth of July parade in Washington was cancelled on Friday night after organisers said extreme heat posed a serious risk to spectators, participants and staff.
Despite the conditions, Donald Trump insisted he would press ahead with his July 4 speech, predicting extreme heat of around 107°F.
