A collision between an Air Canada aircraft and a fire truck on a taxiway at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night left several people injured and forced the closure of the airport. The incident caused significant disruption to travel at one of New York City’s busiest airports.
Air Canada Flight 646 Collides with Fire Truck
The crash occurred around 11:37 p.m. Sunday when an Air Canada Express CRJ-900, operating as Jazz Airlines Flight 646 (JZA646), collided with a fire truck at the airport’s Runway 4 at Delta’s Terminal. The aircraft had just landed and was taxiing when the accident took place.
Injuries and Immediate Impact
At least two Port Authority officers were seriously injured in the collision, with NBC News reporting that the pilot and copilot of the flight were also badly hurt. Preliminary information indicates that a sergeant and an officer have broken limbs and are in stable condition at a hospital. No other major injuries have been reported.
The incident caused chaos at the airport, with multiple flights delayed or canceled. Passengers and staff described the scene as frantic, and authorities confirmed that LaGuardia would remain closed until at least 5:30 a.m. on Monday, creating substantial travel disruptions.
Flight Details and Passengers Involved
Reports from The New York Post indicate that the plane was carrying a group of Orthodox Jews from the New York area, though this information has not been independently verified. Videos posted on social media showed emergency vehicles on the tarmac surrounding the aircraft, while dozens of people could be seen standing on the runway.
Airport Shutdown and Weather Conditions
The closure of LaGuardia Airport caused major disruptions to travel on Sunday night. The Port Authority has warned of flight delays, as New York experienced rainy conditions around 8:30 p.m. EST, contributing to the chaos. The airport remains closed while authorities investigate the cause of the collision.
Damage to Aircraft
Significant damage was reported to the cockpit and the front of the aircraft, although no further details have been provided by authorities. Social media footage captured the damage, showing emergency response teams working on the tarmac.
Investigation and Ongoing Updates
The cause of the collision is currently under investigation, with authorities yet to release the identities or conditions of those involved. LaGuardia’s operations are expected to be disrupted further as the investigation continues.
