A late-night crash at LaGuardia Airport left two pilots dead and dozens injured after an Air Canada regional jet collided with an airport vehicle.
What Happened
The incident occurred around 11:47 p.m. Sunday when Air Canada Flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, struck a Port Authority rescue and firefighting truck on the runway shortly after landing from Montreal.
Officials said the ground vehicle had been cleared to cross the runway while responding to another incident. Moments later, air traffic control urgently instructed the vehicle to stop, but the collision could not be avoided.
Speed and Impact
Preliminary data shows the aircraft was traveling between 93 and 105 mph at the time of impact, causing severe damage to the front of the plane.
Casualties and Injuries
The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash. At least 41 people were taken to hospitals, including passengers and two Port Authority officers. Most injuries were minor, and 32 people were later released. Several others remain hospitalized, with some reported in serious condition.
All 72 passengers and four crew members onboard were accounted for, and an unaccompanied minor was safely reunited with family.
Airport Shutdown and Investigation
The crash forced the temporary closure of LaGuardia Airport, disrupting travel into Monday.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with assistance from Canadian authorities and airline representatives. Officials are working to determine how the runway clearance and communication breakdown led to the deadly collision.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.