Thousands Lost in Sudden Windshield Event

CHARLOTTE — Thousands of flying residents are feared dead following a windshield event Friday afternoon near one of the area's busiest paved corridors.

Officials said the incident occurred without warning and left little opportunity for escape. The full scope of the event remained unclear late Friday.

Despite years of study, researchers say many questions surrounding windshield events remain unanswered.

"We know the events involve a large transparent surface moving at high speed," said Dr. Ellen Mayfly of the Regional Flight Safety Institute. "Beyond that, much remains unclear."

Witnesses described hearing a deep rumbling sound moments before a sudden wall of wind swept through the area.

"There was a rumble, then everyone around me was gone," said a fly who narrowly escaped the incident.

Officials continued searching the area into the evening as they worked to determine the full scope of the event.

While casualty figures remain preliminary, researchers believe the incident may rank among the deadliest windshield events on record.

The cause of the event remains under investigation.