13 killed as freak storm havoc shocks Argentina: Planes move autonomously at Buenos Aires airport

The high-speed winds caused planes on the airport tarmac in Buenos Aires to shift. In a video circulating online, a plane from the national Argentinian airline, Aerolíneas Argentinas, was observed moving autonomously from its parking spot. This led to the subsequent damage of nearby stairs and other facilities.

The strong winds also inflicted damage on the airport terminal building.

Fortunately, the airport incident did not result in any fatalities or injuries. However, the harsh weather conditions have had lethal effects in other parts of the South American nation.

Buenos Aires residents were warned by the National Meteorological Service that the storm had escalated to an orange alert level - the second-highest degree.

After the onslaught of storms and powerful winds in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas, at least 13 people lost their lives. Such intense storms are a rare occurrence in this region. The victims were inhabitants of Bahia Blanca, a town located a short distance from the country's capital Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. The mayor of the town confirmed the tragedy.

Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors until Sunday morning, once the extreme weather conditions subside. Wind gusts have been recorded at speeds reaching 93 mph.

President Javier Milei of Argentina, has offered his condolences to the bereaved families of the victims.