Plane Hits Pole On NJ Turnpike, Driver Injured: Authorities

NEWARK, NJ — A United Airlines plane struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing Sunday in Newark, authorities said, injuring a truck driver and causing damage.

Flight 169 hit the pole around 2 p.m. while making its final approach into Newark Liberty International Airport, according to authorities.

The light post was damaged, as was a semitrailer traveling south on the turnpike, according to Port Authority, which added that the truck's driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries but has since been released. The plane also had minor damage.

"The aircraft landed safely, taxied to the gate normally and no passengers or crew were injured," United said in a prepared statement. "Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft. We will conduct a rigorous flight safety investigation into the incident and our crew has been removed from service as part of the process."

The Boeing 767-400 was carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew members from Venice.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident, according to the agency.