An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 jet from Montreal struck a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 late Sunday, killing both pilots instantly. The impact crumpled the aircraft's nose and tilted it upward, scattering debris across the tarmac. This accident disrupted travel for millions of passengers who rely on LaGuardia, one of the busiest U.S. airports, by closing the facility and diverting flights.
Forty-one people, including 39 from the aircraft, required hospital treatment after the crash. Two Port Authority officers in the fire truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries, such as broken limbs, while 32 of the hospitalized individuals have been released. The flight carried 72 passengers and 4 crew members, all of whom were evacuated using stairways at emergency exits.
The fire truck was crossing the runway to address an odor reported on a United Airlines flight when the collision occurred. Air traffic control recordings captured a controller shouting, "Stop, Truck 1. Stop," in a frantic attempt to halt the vehicle. This sequence unfolded as the jet, traveling at about 30 miles per hour, landed and slowed down.
The National Transportation Safety Board deployed a team to lead the investigation on site. The airport will stay closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday, affecting daily commuters and businesses dependent on timely air travel.
The Bombardier CRJ-900 sustained severe front-end damage, forcing all operations at the airport to halt. Passengers on the jet, including an unaccompanied minor who was later reunited with family, faced immediate evacuation.
At least 18 flights were diverted to John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport due to the shutdown. Travelers should check with airlines like Air Canada for updates, as the investigation may reveal more about runway safety protocols.
An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 jet from Montreal struck a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 late Sunday, killing both pilots instantly. The impact crumpled the aircraft's nose and tilted it upward, scattering debris across the tarmac. This accident disrupted travel for millions of passengers who rely on LaGuardia, one of the busiest U.S. airports, by closing the facility and diverting flights.
Forty-one people, including 39 from the aircraft, required hospital treatment after the crash. Two Port Authority officers in the fire truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries, such as broken limbs, while 32 of the hospitalized individuals have been released. The flight carried 72 passengers and 4 crew members, all of whom were evacuated using stairways at emergency exits.
The fire truck was crossing the runway to address an odor reported on a United Airlines flight when the collision occurred. Air traffic control recordings captured a controller shouting, "Stop, Truck 1. Stop," in a frantic attempt to halt the vehicle. This sequence unfolded as the jet, traveling at about 30 miles per hour, landed and slowed down.
Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, announced the airport closure during a news conference early Monday. The National Transportation Safety Board deployed a team, including Chair Jennifer Homendy and member John DeLeeuw, to lead the investigation on site. New York City Emergency Management kept one engine, one ladder, and one battalion chief on scene for ongoing support.
Photos from the scene showed cables dangling from the mangled cockpit and the fire truck lying on its side. Passengers on the jet, including an unaccompanied minor who was later reunited with family, faced immediate evacuation amid the chaos. The Bombardier CRJ-900 sustained severe front-end damage, forcing all operations at the airport to halt.
At least 18 flights were diverted to John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport due to the shutdown. The airport will stay closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday, affecting daily commuters and businesses dependent on timely air travel. Travelers should check with airlines like Air Canada for updates, as the investigation may reveal more about runway safety protocols.
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