A tragic collision between a passenger jet and an airport vehicle at LaGuardia Airport has left two pilots dead and dozens injured, prompting a major shutdown of one of the nation’s busiest airports.
The incident occurred late Sunday night, March 22, 2026, when an Air Canada Express regional jet arriving from Montreal struck a fire truck on the runway while landing. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.
Fatalities and Injuries
Authorities confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash. At least 40 people—including passengers, crew members, and emergency responders—were taken to nearby hospitals, with several sustaining serious injuries.
The fire truck involved in the collision had two firefighters on board, both of whom survived and were reported to be in stable condition.
What Happened
Preliminary reports indicate the plane was traveling between 93 and 105 mph at the time of impact.
The fire truck had been responding to a separate emergency involving another aircraft when it entered the runway.
Early evidence—including air traffic control audio—suggests a possible communication breakdown. Both the aircraft and the emergency vehicle were reportedly cleared onto the same runway within minutes of each other, leading to the deadly collision.
In recordings from the control tower, a controller can be heard urgently warning the truck to stop moments before impact, underscoring the chaos leading up to the crash.
Airport Shutdown and Disruptions
Following the crash, LaGuardia Airport was temporarily shut down, with more than 500 flights canceled or diverted. Flights were rerouted to nearby airports, causing widespread travel disruptions across the New York City area.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and federal aviation officials have launched a full investigation into the incident. Investigators are expected to focus on air traffic control procedures, communication protocols, and staffing levels amid ongoing concerns about aviation system strain.
Officials have not yet released the names of the deceased pilots, and the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
A Rare but Serious Incident
The crash marks one of the most serious aviation incidents in the U.S. in recent years and has raised renewed concerns about runway safety and coordination between aircraft and ground vehicles.
As investigators work to determine what went wrong, authorities say their focus remains on supporting victims and preventing a similar tragedy in the future.
