Air Canada Jet Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia, Airport Closed | UPDATED

An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on the runway at Novel York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and injuries to dozens, officials confirmed early Monday.

The collision occurred at approximately 11:47 p.m. EST, involving Jazz Aviation flight AC8646, which had departed from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport en route to New York City, according to a statement from Jazz Aviation, the regional partner operating the flight for Air Canada.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that the Air Canada jet struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle while landing on Runway 4. The ARFF vehicle was responding to a separate, earlier incident, the Port Authority stated.

Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority, told reporters that 41 people were transported to hospitals in Queens, with 32 subsequently released. Nine people remain hospitalized, some in serious condition. Two members of the fire truck crew were likewise taken to a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

“Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased and notifications are being made by Air Canada’s care team at this time,” Garcia said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for LaGuardia Airport at 12:04 a.m. EDT, halting all air traffic. The airport is expected to remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday to allow for the investigation and response efforts, according to the FAA and the Port Authority.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to LaGuardia Airport to investigate the collision. The team is expected to arrive later Monday, the NTSB stated.

Flight AC8646, a CRJ900 regional jet, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, Jazz Aviation confirmed. Passengers were directed to the Air Canada ticket counter to reunite with family, and officials confirmed one unaccompanied minor was among those on board.

The New York Police Department has closed all streets and highway exits leading to the airport until further notice. The New York City Emergency Notification System issued an alert warning residents to anticipate cancellations, road closures, traffic delays, and emergency personnel activity near LaGuardia Airport.

Air Canada has acknowledged the incident and is cooperating with authorities. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.