A tragic incident occurred at LaGuardia Airport in New York when an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 regional jet struck a Port Authority vehicle after landing, resulting in the deaths of two pilots. The aircraft, arriving from Montreal, collided with the vehicle at a speed of approximately 24 miles per hour shortly before midnight.
According to Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia, more than 40 individuals, including passengers, crew members, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel, were taken to local hospitals. While 32 have since been released, some are reported to have sustained serious injuries. The incident prompted immediate emergency response protocols, and the airport was temporarily closed to facilitate investigations and manage the situation.
The flight, designated as Air Canada Flight 8646 and operated by Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. The crash occurred on Runway 4 while the Port Authority vehicle was responding to a separate incident. Multiple authorities, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are now involved in the investigation.
In the aftermath, the FAA issued a ground stop for all flights at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in diversions and cancellations. The Port Authority has stated that they will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Air Canada has established a dedicated phone line for concerned family members of passengers. This incident arises during a period of heightened scrutiny at U.S. airports, as many facilities have been experiencing operational challenges amid ongoing funding issues within the Department of Homeland Security.