Fatal Crash at LaGuardia: Air Canada Jet Hits Fire Truck, Killing 2 Pilots

A deadly collision occurred Sunday night at LaGuardia Airport when an Air Canada Express flight from Montreal struck a firefighting vehicle during landing operations. The crash killed both pilots and injured more than a dozen passengers, forcing the airport to close temporarily.

A tragic accident at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday evening claimed the lives of two pilots and left numerous passengers hospitalized after an Air Canada Express aircraft crashed into an emergency fire truck.

The deadly incident occurred at 11:47 p.m. when Air Canada Express Flight 8646, arriving from Montreal and operated by Jazz Aviation, struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle during what should have been a routine landing.

Investigation sources confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot perished in the crash, with the New York City medical examiner taking charge of the case, NBC News reported.

More than a dozen passengers suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious, according to a senior official briefed on the investigation. Medical teams transported several of the wounded to Elmhurst and Queens Presbyterian hospitals for treatment.

Two other individuals were also reported hurt in the collision, though authorities have not disclosed details about their injuries or conditions.

Conflicting passenger counts emerged from different sources. Airport officials reported 76 passengers and four crew members aboard the CRJ-900 aircraft, while Jazz Aviation’s preliminary manifest showed 72 passengers and four crew members, noting these numbers await final verification.

The emergency vehicle that was struck had been responding to a separate incident elsewhere at the airport when the collision occurred, a Port Authority spokesperson revealed, though no additional information about that original call was provided.

“Emergency response protocols were immediately activated,” the spokesperson stated. “The Port Authority Police Department is on scene along with the agency’s chairman and executive director.”

LaGuardia Airport operations ceased around midnight to accommodate emergency responders and investigation teams. Officials anticipate reopening the facility sometime Monday.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced it will send a specialized investigation team to examine the crash, with federal investigators scheduled to arrive Monday. Port Authority Police indicated they will provide additional information as their investigation develops.