LaGuardia Airport: Pilots Killed in Runway Collision – Live Updates

Two pilots were killed and dozens injured late Sunday night when an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle on a runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, prompting a complete shutdown of the airport. The crash occurred shortly after Air Canada Flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, touched down, according to Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia.

The collision, which took place at 11:47 p.m., demolished the front of the airplane, officials said. Forty-one people were transported to local hospitals, including 39 passengers and two Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting officers, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Even as 32 people had been released from hospitals as of Monday morning, some injuries were described as serious, Garcia stated.

The pilots, whose identities have not yet been released, were killed in the impact. An unaccompanied minor on board the flight was safely reunited with their family, Garcia confirmed.

The Air Canada Express CRJ-900 was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members when it struck the rescue vehicle, which was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines flight. According to air traffic control recordings, the fire-rescue vehicle had been cleared to cross the runway before being instructed to stop. The collision followed an incident where United Airlines Flight 2384 aborted its takeoff after pilots reported an anti-ice warning light and an odor in the cabin, requesting assistance from firefighters.

Jazz Aviation issued a statement confirming the incident, while Air Canada acknowledged the event on social media, deferring updates to Jazz Aviation.

LaGuardia Airport will remain closed until at least 2 p.m. On Monday to allow for a thorough investigation, the Port Authority said. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ground stop for all flights at the airport.

Authorities have indicated the collision appears to be accidental, with no immediate evidence of foul play or terrorism, according to a source cited by CBS News. The investigation is ongoing.