New York, United States. The pilot and co-pilot of an Air Canada AC.TO Express regional jet were killed after it collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late on Sunday, authorities and U.S. media reported. NBC News said dozens of other people were injured.
Collision and reported injuries
NBC News reported the deaths and said the fire truck was manned by police officers, citing sources. The network had earlier reported that a sergeant and an officer suffered broken limbs and were in stable condition at a hospital.
Authorities and emergency agencies did not immediately comment on deaths or injuries.
Flight details and aircraft operator
The Air Canada Express CRJ-900, operated by Air Canada’s partner Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal, based on a preliminary passenger list subject to confirmation. Jazz is owned by Chorus Aviation CHR.TO.
Speed and damage
Flight tracking website Flightradar24 said the aircraft struck the fire vehicle at about 24 miles per hour (39 kph) and last recorded data at 11:37 p.m. ET (0337 GMT). Reuters photos taken after the accident showed visible damage to the nose of the plane, which was tilted upward.
Airport closure and disruptions
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said the airport was expected to remain shut until 2 p.m. ET on Monday (1800 GMT). Flightradar24 said 18 flights were diverted, mostly to other airports in the New York area, or returned to their point of origin.
Company and agency responses
Air Canada referred Reuters to Jazz’s statement and said it was aware of the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
How might the temporary shutdown at LaGuardia affect your travel plans?
