Pilots killed, dozens injured in New York airport collision
Authorities confirmed that the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash
Two people were killed and more than a dozen others injured after an Air Canada regional flight collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred around 11:40pm local time when Air Canada Express Flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, struck a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle on Runway 4.
The emergency vehicle had been responding to a separate situation involving reports of an unusual odor in another aircraft’s cockpit.
Officials said the aircraft, a CRJ-900 traveling from Montreal, was moving at approximately 24 mph at the time of the collision. There were 72 passengers and four crew members onboard.
Authorities confirmed that the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash. At least 41 individuals, including passengers and two firefighters, were transported to nearby hospitals.
Most have since been treated and released, while others remain under medical care in stable condition.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed, and airport operations were suspended to facilitate rescue efforts and an ongoing investigation.
Several incoming flights were diverted to nearby airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched a joint investigation into the crash.
Officials say the probe will examine factors including aircraft speed, runway conditions and air traffic control procedures.
Air Canada expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the incident a tragic loss for the aviation community.