John Travolta's dogs killed

May 18, 2010, 12:20 GMT

John Travolta's pet dogs have been killed in an airport accident.

The actor - who has a 10-year-old daughter Ella with wife Kelly Preston - was having his plane serviced at Bangor International Airport, in Maine, US, and asked an airport employee to take the animals for a walk last Thursday (13.05.10), only for tragedy to strike.

A statement from the city said: "At approximately 1am on Thursday, May 13, 2010, an airplane carrying members of the John Travolta family landed at BIA. While there, two small dogs were taken for a walk by someone who is not a family member. An airport service pickup truck was approaching the airplane to service the airplane and did not see the dogs. Unfortunately, the dogs were struck and killed. The airport is investigating the accident. Out of respect for the family's privacy the city will make no further comment."

Airport Director Rebecca Hupp offered sympathy to the family.

She told the Bangor Daily News newspaper: "The airport takes safety very seriously. Many flights come and go without incidents. Clearly, this is an unfortunate accident. Our deepest sympathies are with the family."

It is unclear whether the dogs were on leashes or not, or whether charges are to be filed against the unnamed employee.

Paul Bloch, a publicist for the 'Old Dogs' star, said he was unaware of the incident but would look into it.