Two pilots were killed and dozens of passengers injured after an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with an airport fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, authorities confirmed.
The aircraft, identified as Air Canada Express Flight AC8646, had arrived from Montreal when the collision occurred on the runway. The flight was operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada.
Officials said the pilot and co-pilot died at the scene after the cockpit sustained catastrophic damage. Approximately 41 passengers and crew members were transported to nearby hospitals, several with serious injuries, though many have since been treated and released. Two firefighters inside the airport vehicle were also injured but are expected to recover.
According to preliminary findings, the fire truck had been responding to a separate emergency and was cleared to cross the runway as the aircraft approached for landing. Air traffic control audio reportedly captured last-second warnings to stop moments before the impact.
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jet carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.
The collision triggered an immediate emergency response and forced a temporary shutdown of LaGuardia Airport, one of the busiest air travel hubs serving New York City. Hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled as authorities secured the scene and conducted safety inspections.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched a full investigation into the incident. Investigators are expected to focus on air traffic control communications, runway clearance procedures, and the sequence of events leading to the runway incursion.
Runway collisions involving aircraft and ground vehicles are rare but considered among the most serious safety failures in aviation. Experts say such incidents typically involve breakdowns in communication or coordination between flight crews and ground operations.
Further updates are expected as investigators analyze flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and air traffic control communications.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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