A plane collided with a fire and rescue vehicle on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport Sunday evening, resulting in the deaths of both pilots.
Aircraft Strikes Fire Truck During Landing
According to two sources familiar with the matter, the aircraft collided with a fire and rescue vehicle responding to another incident on the runway. The collision occurred around 11:47 PM local time Sunday (4:47 AM Polish time).
The airport was closed until 2:00 PM Monday local time (7:00 PM Polish time), and flights scheduled to land at LaGuardia were diverted. Road traffic in the airport area was also closed.
Pilots Confirmed Dead, Rescue Crew Injured
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed the incident but initially did not release information about injuries. Preliminary reports from media outlets, citing information from emergency services, indicate both pilots died.
NBC News reports two individuals in the fire and rescue vehicle sustained broken limbs but are in stable condition. Several passengers on the aircraft also sustained injuries, with some transported to Elmhurst and Queens Presbyterian hospitals.
Flight Details and Collision Circumstances
NBC News identifies the aircraft as belonging to Jazz Aviation and operating for Air Canada. The Canadian CRJ-900 aircraft from Montreal carried 76 passengers and four crew members. It was completing a landing and traveling at approximately 31 mph (50 km/h) at the time of the accident.
Authorities state a fire and rescue vehicle was also involved in the collision, operated by police officers, according to NBC News sources.
Air Traffic Control Communication Released
Recordings published on social media show the passenger jet on the runway with a raised cockpit and a crushed lower front fuselage. Air traffic control granted clearance for an operational truck to cross the runway.
Seconds later, the controller ordered the truck to stop immediately, then announced a collision had occurred. “JAZZ 646, I see you’ve hit a vehicle. Hold position. I know you can’t move. Vehicles are responding to your signal,” an air traffic controller is heard saying on a recording from LiveATC.net.
Weather Conditions and Investigation
CNN reported that LaGuardia Airport had previously warned of flight disruptions due to weather conditions, including light rain and fog in the area.
NTSB Investigates Incident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it is gathering information to investigate the incident. CNN reports some operations and flights remain suspended at the airport.