Flights were halted at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night after an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with an airport fire truck responding to a separate emergency, triggering a major emergency response and forcing the closure of the busy airport.
The incident involved Air Canada flight AC8646, operated by regional carrier Jazz Aviation, which had just arrived from Montreal. Preliminary reports indicate the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft had landed normally and was slowing while turning off Runway 4 onto Taxiway E when it struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle at around 23:40 local time.
Authorities declared a mass casualty event in the aftermath of the collision. Early information from local officials and aviation sources suggests at least two people have been killed, with one person seriously injured and two others moderately wounded. Dozens more passengers and crew are believed to have sustained minor injuries. Officials have yet to confirm final casualty figures.
Significant Damage and Dramatic Scenes
Video footage shared on social media showed the regional jet coming to rest with its nose tilted upward after sustaining severe structural damage to the front of the aircraft. Some images appeared to show catastrophic destruction around the cockpit area.
The aircraft was carrying between 72 and 76 people, including four crew members, according to preliminary manifests released by Jazz Aviation.
Emergency response protocols were activated immediately following the impact. The Port Authority Police Department, New York City Fire Department, and other first responders quickly arrived on scene as operations at LaGuardia were suspended.
In a statement, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed the aircraft “struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate incident.” Officials added that the airport was closed to allow emergency crews to manage the situation and to facilitate an investigation.
Airport Shutdown and Travel Disruption
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for LaGuardia late Sunday night, warning there was a “high likelihood” the closure would be extended.
Local authorities urged travellers to avoid the area, with the New York City Police Department warning of widespread road closures, delays, and cancelled flights. The New York City Fire Department also advised motorists to use alternative routes due to heavy emergency traffic around the airport.
LaGuardia had already been experiencing operational disruption earlier in the evening due to adverse weather conditions.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation and deployed a team to the crash site. Early reports suggest the airport fire truck may have been cleared to cross the runway shortly before the collision, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Unverified aviation sources also claim there may have been only one air traffic controller on duty at the time, reportedly handling both tower and ground control responsibilities. Authorities have not commented publicly on staffing levels.
Audio recordings circulating online appear to capture the moment the controller realised a collision had occurred, instructing the aircraft to hold position as emergency vehicles were dispatched.
Officials say the situation remains fluid, with more information expected as investigators begin examining wreckage, reviewing air traffic control communications, and interviewing witnesses.
Confessions of a Trolley Dolly will continue to follow developments as this story unfolds.
Cover image credit: u/bradysego12 via X
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