Ramp Worker Saves the Day, Crashes Tug into Out-of-Control Cart

Quick thinking by Envoy's Jorge Manalang in Chicago prevents potential calamity

By Bob Kerlik

Published October 1, 2019

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A ramp worker at Chicago O’Hare International Airport gained fame across the country this week after he stopped an out-of-control beverage vehicle from hitting a plane at the gate.

In a now-viral online video viewed by millions Jorge Manalang, who works for American Airlines subsidiary Envoy, displayed quick thinking when he jumped onto a push-back tug and smashed it into spinning cart, stopping it just as it was about to hit a loaded Embraer 140 aircraft.

“I was just doing my job,” Manalang said in a statement. “Safety is our number one priority and I did not want anyone to get hurt, so I used the pushback to stop the cart.”

The catering vehicle was parked by the plane loading beverages for the outbound flight leaving Chicago, when a case of water slipped onto the gas pedal and sent the cart spinning wildly in reverse, Envoy stated on its website.

A six-year veteran of Envoy, Manalang is an instructor, responsible for passing along his knowledge and experience to new Fleet Service Clerks, ensuring the safety culture remains strong, according to the company.

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