Two Air Canada pilots were killed late Sunday when their flight from Montreal collided with a rescue vehicle on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
Details of the Collision
Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, stated that 41 people were transported to hospitals in Queens, with 32 subsequently released. Nine people remain hospitalized, some in serious condition.
The pilots, both based in Canada, are confirmed deceased, and Air Canada’s care team is making notifications to their families, Garcia said. The flight, operated by Jazz Aviation as a regional partner of Air Canada, carried 72 passengers and four crew members when the incident occurred. The flight originated at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal.
Photos from the scene show significant damage to the jet, including a destroyed cockpit with dangling wires and flight controls. The emergency vehicle was found on its side nearby. Stairways were deployed to allow passengers to evacuate the aircraft.
Airport Closure and Investigation
LaGuardia Airport was to remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday to allow for a full investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board. The Port Authority fire truck was en route to address “an issue with odour” reported by the pilot of the United Airlines flight, according to Garcia, who deferred further questions about the sequence of events to the NTSB.
An air traffic controller’s radio transmission captured attempts to halt the fire truck just before the collision, issuing the command, “Stop, Truck 1. Stop,” before urgently diverting incoming aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at LaGuardia Airport?
An Air Canada flight from Montreal collided with a Port Authority rescue and firefighting vehicle on a runway at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of the two pilots.
How many people were injured?
Forty-one people were taken to hospitals in Queens. As of Monday morning, nine people remained hospitalized, with some in serious condition.
What is the status of LaGuardia Airport?
LaGuardia Airport is closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday to facilitate the investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board.
As the investigation unfolds, what impact will this incident have on airport safety protocols and emergency response procedures?
