Two pilots have been killed and dozens of people injured after a passenger jet collided with a ground emergency vehicle during landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, prompting a wide‑ranging safety investigation and temporary closure of the busy airport.
The aircraft involved was Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a Bombardier CRJ‑900 regional jet operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada, arriving late Sunday night from Montréal‑Trudeau International Airport. Shortly after touching down on Runway 4, the aircraft struck a Port Authority fire‑rescue truck that was crossing the runway while responding to a separate incident.
The force of the collision destroyed the cockpit and forward section of the plane, killing both the pilot and co‑pilot. Officials have described the loss of the crew as an “absolute tragedy,” noting both were young pilots at the early stages of their careers.
In total, 41 people were hospitalized with injuries from the crash, including passengers and fire‑rescue officers from the vehicle. While many have since been released, several remain under medical care with more serious injuries, authorities said. Emergency workers treated victims at local hospitals as the scene was secured.
Eyewitnesses and some survivors described chaotic moments as the collision unfolded on the rain‑soaked runway, with passengers recalling abrupt movement and debris. Some have praised the pilots’ final actions, saying the flight crew appeared to have taken measures in the moments before impact to limit further harm.
Airport operations were significantly disrupted, with LaGuardia closed overnight and into Monday as authorities cleared the wreckage and began investigations. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Canadian aviation investigators, are jointly probing how the collision occurred, including reviewing air traffic control communications and vehicle clearances.
Officials have confirmed the runway where the collision occurred will remain restricted as investigators continue their work, and airlines have warned of ongoing delays and cancellations as the airport gradually resumes full operations.
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