Passengers rattled, 2 crew injured after Southwest plane descends minutes into flight

Incident Summary - Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 experienced a near mid-air collision, prompting a dramatic dive to avoid another aircraft [1][2] - The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Burbank, en route to Las Vegas [3] - Flight tracking data indicates the plane dove approximately 500 feet before recovering [3] - An onboard alert system prevented a collision by warning the pilots of another aircraft's proximity [2][4] Impact and Response - Two flight attendants were injured during the sudden maneuver, with one requiring hospitalization [3][4] - Passengers reported experiencing a frightening drop, initially fearing engine failure or a crash [5] - The pilot explained the collision avoidance maneuver, reassuring passengers after the event [6] - The FAA is investigating why air traffic control did not separate the two aircraft sooner [2][7] Safety and Regulatory Concerns - The onboard alert system is considered the last line of defense in preventing mid-air collisions [7] - The incident adds to growing anxieties regarding air safety [8]