At least two people have been killed after an Air Canada passenger jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, forcing a temporary closure of the airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the late Sunday night collision involved a CRJ-900 aircraft flying from Montreal.
The fire truck, responding to an unrelated emergency, was struck on the runway, resulting in the deaths of both the pilot and co-pilot. Several passengers sustained injuries of varying degrees.
According to Air Canada, the flight was carrying 72 passengers alongside four crew members.
Emergency teams quickly rushed to the scene to assist the injured and secure the damaged aircraft.
Following the accident, the FAA imposed a ground stop, suspending all arrivals and departures at LaGuardia until 2:00 p.m. Monday.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) also closed all access roads to the airport, warning motorists to avoid the area.
“Due to an emergency incident at LaGuardia Airport, all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice.
Expect delays and avoid the area if possible,” the NYPD posted on X.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a team to investigate the incident.
“The NTSB is sending a go team to examine the March 22 collision involving Jazz Aviation, Air Canada Express Flight 8646, CRJ900, at LaGuardia Airport’s Runway 4,” the agency said. Chair Jennifer Homendy will lead the on-site briefing, assisted by member John DeLeeuw.
