VIDEO: 6 Injured After Car Crashes Into DTW Check-In Counters

What was supposed to be a routine Friday night for travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) turned into a scene of structural devastation and panic when a luxury vehicle barreled through the front entrance of the McNamara Terminal.

Shortly before 9:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, a silver Mercedes-Benz sedan careened through the glass facade of the terminal’s main entrance. The impact left a gaping hole where the sliding doors once stood, sending a spray of glass and concrete dust into the lobby. Footage captured by TCD News shows the vehicle sitting stationary deep within the terminal’s interior, shrouded in a thick layer of debris and surrounded by a trail of wreckage.

Video: @DEARBORN

The Scene Inside

Witnesses described a surreal sequence of events as the driver exited the dust-covered vehicle. Clad in a black Detroit Lions jersey, the man reportedly began shouting incoherently at travelers and airport staff. The situation escalated quickly as law enforcement moved in; video from the scene shows police officers wrestling the man to the ground before escorting him away in handcuffs.

The motive remains under investigation, but airport officials have released a preliminary assessment indicating that the driver appeared to be suffering from a significant mental health crisis at the time of the incident.

Injuries and Security Response

DTW officials confirmed in a late-night statement that six individuals were treated at the scene for various injuries sustained during the impact and the ensuing chaos. The severity of those injuries has not yet been detailed, though no fatalities have been reported.

Following the apprehension of the suspect, a K9 unit was deployed to conduct a sweep of the Mercedes. Bomb disposal experts and security teams remained on high alert until the vehicle was cleared. Authorities confirmed that no explosives or dangerous materials were found inside the car.

Current Status

Cleanup efforts are currently underway at the McNamara Terminal. While flight operations generally continue, travelers are advised to expect delays and check with their airlines, as certain ticketing and baggage claim areas near the crash site remain cordoned off for repairs and forensic investigation.

The identity of the driver has not yet been released pending formal charges.