New York’s LaGuardia Airport reopened at 2:00 PM ET after a temporary shutdown caused by a fatal collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire engine. Operations have resumed on the single runway, while the other runway remains closed due to debris from the crash. Officials have warned passengers to expect continued delays and cancellations as normal operations gradually resume.
The disruption led to the cancellation of approximately 600 flights during the day. Despite the chaos, passengers have begun moving through TSA checkpoints as flights slowly resume.
Casualties and injuries
The crash resulted in the death of the pilot and co-pilot on board the Air Canada flight. Two people in the fire truck were injured. A total of 41 passengers and crew members were taken to hospitals, 32 were later released. Emergency workers continue to monitor those still receiving treatment.
Collision details
The incident occurred shortly before midnight as the plane was landing after a flight from Montreal with more than 70 passengers on board. A fire truck was authorized to cross the runway to investigate another aircraft that reported an odor on board. Air traffic control records reveal a last-minute warning to the fire truck to stop, followed by apparent upset by the controller, who later expressed regret over the incident.
The crash caused severe damage to the nose of the aircraft with visible debris and exposed wiring. The fire engine overturned and sustained extensive damage, particularly to its rear.
An investigation is underway
US and Canadian authorities are launching a joint investigation. Teams from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Canadian Transportation Safety Board are deployed to the scene. Federal officials, including the secretary of transportation, the FAA administrator and the NTSB chairman, are expected to oversee the investigation.
