Two pilots killed as Air Canada jet hits fire truck at LaGuardia
Two pilots have died after an Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck during landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Monday. The emergency vehicle was reportedly responding to a separate incident when the crash occurred.
The aircraft, a CRJ 900 operated by Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal. Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia confirmed to the BBC that 41 people from the plane and two individuals from the vehicle were taken to hospital.
While 32 people have since been discharged, several others remain in serious condition. The two Port Authority police officers inside the fire truck are currently stable with non-life-threatening injuries.
Airport remains closed
LaGuardia Airport will remain closed until at least 18:00 GMT on Monday, according to officials. An investigation is now underway at the scene to determine how the vehicle entered the active runway.
The jet had already touched down and slowed to approximately 38 km/h (24 mph) when it struck the vehicle. Images from the scene show the aircraft resting in a "nose-up" position with significant structural damage.
Emergency response
"I have visited both officers in the hospital, and they are able to speak," Garcia said, adding that their families have been notified.
The Port Authority confirmed that emergency protocols were activated immediately following the strike. The New York Police Department has advised travellers to expect significant delays and avoid the area, seeking alternative routes where possible.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
