American Airlines ground crew employee killed in accident at Alabama airport

A ground crew employee with an American Airlines carrier was killed in an accident at the Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama on Saturday, airport officials said.

The airport was closed for hours following the incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. local time.

"We are devastated by the accident involving a team member of Piedmont Airlines, an American Airlines regional carrier, at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)," a spokesperson for American Airlines said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time."

No further details were released pending an investigation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased," the airport said in a statement on Twitter.

The airport resumed operations as of 8:30 p.m.