Additional Coverage:
- LaGuardia crash as Air Canada plane collides with fire truck on runway leaving 60 injured (themirror.com)
Plane, Fire Truck Collide at LaGuardia Airport, Injuring Dozens and Halting Operations
LaGuardia Airport faced a late-night emergency Sunday when an Air Canada Express aircraft collided with a fire truck on a taxiway, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals and forcing a temporary shutdown of the busy New York City hub.
The incident occurred around 11:37 p.m. as Air Canada Express Flight 646, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Airlines arriving from Montreal, reportedly collided with a fire truck near Runway 4 at Delta’s Terminal during its landing sequence.
Authorities have reported approximately 60 victims sustained injuries. Among them, four firefighters from the Port Authority Police Department are reportedly in critical condition. Emergency crews from FDNY and other agencies quickly responded to secure the scene and attend to the injured.
Passengers and airport staff described a chaotic environment following the collision, with flights experiencing significant delays or cancellations. LaGuardia Airport was closed until at least 5:30 a.m. Monday, causing widespread travel disruptions for thousands of travelers.
Preliminary observations indicate significant damage to the cockpit and the front section of the aircraft. Social media posts from the scene showed numerous emergency vehicles surrounding the plane on the tarmac, with dozens of people also seen standing on the airfield.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet released the identities or specific conditions of those injured as the inquiry continues.