New Delhi: A regional jet operated by Air Canada collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport late Monday night, leaving several people injured and forcing authorities to halt air traffic at the busy airport.
The aircraft, an Bombardier CRJ-900 operating as an Air Canada Express flight from Montreal, reportedly struck the emergency vehicle on Runway 4 shortly after arrival. The impact occurred at around 11:38 pm local time when the plane was travelling at roughly 39 kilometres per hour, according to flight tracking data.
Early reports indicate that the pilot and co pilot of the aircraft were seriously injured in the collision. Two firefighters on the truck, believed to be members of the Port Authority Police Department, also sustained injuries including broken limbs but were reported to be in stable condition at a hospital.
The aircraft was carrying about 76 passengers along with four crew members, and authorities began medical assessments soon after the incident. Images circulating on social media showed the front section of the aircraft heavily damaged while passengers were seen disembarking as emergency crews worked around the aircraft.
According to aviation officials, the fire truck had been cleared to cross the runway while responding to another aircraft emergency involving a Boeing 737 MAX operated by United Airlines. That aircraft had reportedly reported a strange odour on board that left some flight attendants feeling unwell.
Audio circulating online appears to capture air traffic control urgently warning the truck driver moments before the collision, repeatedly instructing the vehicle to stop. The authenticity of the audio has not yet been officially confirmed.
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for flights at the airport while emergency crews secured the runway and began investigations. Several incoming flights were diverted to alternate airports or returned to their origin.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and determine the exact sequence of events that led to the runway collision.
