An Air Canada Express jet collided with a firetruck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, killing both pilots and injuring several others. The crash led to a shutdown of airport operations, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause
-1774257825448_d.png "Two pilots dead in runway collision at airport in New York")
Both pilots killed as Air Canada flight crashes into rescue vehicle. PIC/AFP
Two pilots were killed in a serious accident at LaGuardia Airport in New York late on Sunday night when an Air Canada regional jet collided with a firetruck on the runway shortly after landing.
The crash caused heavy damage to the aircraft and led to the death of both pilots, while several others were reportedly injured.
How did the Collision take place?
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Air Canada Express, had arrived from Montreal. It struck a rescue and firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate emergency on the runway around 11:45 pm.
Photos and videos from the scene showed the front of the plane badly crushed, with debris hanging from the cockpit. The firetruck was also severely damaged and was seen overturned near the aircraft.
However preliminary information suggests that air traffic control may have warned both the aircraft crew and the ground vehicle moments before the collision. Audio recordings circulating online indicate repeated instructions to stop, but the crash could not be avoided. Officials have not yet confirmed these details, and investigations are ongoing as per IANS reports.
Casualties and injuries
According to reports, the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash. There were 72 passengers and four crew members on board the flight. While all passengers were evacuated using emergency stairways, reports suggest that several people sustained injuries.
Unconfirmed reports also indicated that at least five firefighters were seriously injured in the incident, as reported by IANS.
Airport operations suspended
Following the collision, operations at LaGuardia Airport were suspended. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop, halting all incoming and outgoing flights to allow emergency teams to manage the situation.
Authorities said the airport could remain closed for an extended period, though no exact timeline was confirmed as per IANS reports.
Investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the crash and whether there were communication or operational failures. Air Canada Express also confirmed the accident and said that passenger and crew details are still being verified.
Emergency teams, including Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting units, were quickly deployed at the scene. The focus remains on assisting the injured, clearing the runway, and ensuring safety before operations can resume.
This incident has raised serious concerns about runway safety and coordination between aircraft and ground vehicles at busy airports.
(With IANS and AP Inputs)
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