Two pilots were killed, and dozens of people were injured after a passenger jet collided with an emergency vehicle while landing at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, prompting a major emergency response and the temporary closure of the airport.
The crash occurred around 11:40 p.m. when an Air Canada Express flight arriving from Montreal struck a firefighting vehicle on the runway. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ operated by Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members at the time of the incident.
Authorities confirmed that both pilots aboard the aircraft were killed in the collision. At least 41 people were transported to area hospitals, including individuals with serious injuries. Among those hurt were two firefighters who had been inside the emergency vehicle; both were reported in stable condition. Most of the injured passengers were later released after receiving treatment.
Officials said the emergency vehicle had been responding to a separate incident on the airfield when the collision occurred. The circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation.
Images from the scene showed significant damage to the front of the aircraft, with debris hanging from the nose and the fuselage tilted upward. The firefighting vehicle also sustained extensive damage and appeared overturned as emergency crews surrounded the wreckage.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed the timeline of the crash and said operations at LaGuardia were suspended to allow investigators to examine the scene. The airport is expected to remain closed until at least mid-afternoon Monday.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident and is working to determine how the aircraft and emergency vehicle came into contact on the runway. Investigators are expected to review air traffic control communications, runway procedures and emergency response protocols as part of the inquiry.
The Fire Department of New York responded to the crash along with other emergency personnel but deferred further details to the Port Authority.
Source: The Guardian