Federal authorities are investigating a fatal collision between a commercial regional jet and an airport emergency vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The incident occurred late Sunday night involving an Air Canada Express flight arriving from Montreal.
Visual evidence and flight tracking data indicate the CRJ-900 aircraft was landing when it struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting truck. The collision happened at approximately 11:40 p.m. ET during rainy and foggy conditions on the active runway.
Reports indicate the aircraft was traveling at speeds between 93 and 131 miles per hour at the time of impact. The fire truck was reportedly positioned on the runway to respond to a separate, earlier incident when the collision occurred.
Authorities have confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft were killed in the crash. Several dozen passengers and crew members sustained injuries, with one flight attendant surviving an ejection from the forward section of the plane.
Multiple Port Authority firefighters and personnel were also treated for injuries sustained during the high-speed impact. The emergency vehicle was significantly damaged and overturned as a result of the force.
Newly surfaced air traffic control recordings capture urgent commands directed at the fire truck driver seconds before the collision. Controllers can be heard shouting "Stop! Stop! Stop!" in an attempt to prevent the vehicles from intersecting.
The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed a team to the site to lead the investigation alongside the Federal Aviation Administration. Canada’s Transportation Safety Board is also participating due to the aircraft's registration.
LaGuardia Airport remained closed following the incident to allow investigators to collect evidence and clear debris from the runway. Operations were expected to remain suspended until at least Monday afternoon while safety assessments were completed.
Investigators are currently reviewing tower communications, weather factors, and runway occupancy protocols to determine how the ground vehicle and landing aircraft came into conflict. The review will focus on the coordination between ground units and air traffic control.