Dozens injured as federal investigators examine runway coordination breakdown during late-night landing
By Ocean County Press Staff
Published: March 23, 2026
Location: New York, NY (LaGuardia Airport)
What We Know Right Now
- An Air Canada Express jet collided with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport
- The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash
- The aircraft was arriving from Montreal with 72 passengers and 4 crew members
- At least 40+ people were injured, several seriously
- The fire truck was responding to a separate emergency
- The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation
Full Story
A deadly aviation incident at LaGuardia Airport has left two pilots dead and dozens injured after a passenger jet collided with an airport fire truck during landing, according to multiple confirmed reports.
The aircraft, identified as an Air Canada Express regional jet operated by Jazz Aviation, was arriving from Montreal late Sunday night when it struck a Port Authority firefighting vehicle on the runway.
Authorities confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the impact. The cockpit area sustained catastrophic damage, and the aircraft’s nose section was heavily compromised.
Fire Truck Responding to Separate Emergency
Officials say the fire truck involved in the collision had been cleared onto the runway while responding to a separate incident involving another aircraft, reportedly related to an onboard odor or mechanical concern.
Air traffic control audio indicates that controllers attempted to stop the vehicle moments before the crash, suggesting a possible breakdown in coordination.
Injuries and Passenger Impact
The flight was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, many of whom were evacuated following the collision.
Officials reported that:
- More than 40 individuals were transported to hospitals
- Several remained hospitalized with serious injuries
- Fire truck personnel were also injured but are expected to survive
Most passengers survived, though many required medical evaluation due to the force of the impact.
Airport Shutdown and Disruptions
The crash prompted an immediate shutdown of LaGuardia Airport, one of the busiest air travel hubs in the region.
Authorities:
- Suspended operations for several hours
- Diverted incoming flights
- Canceled hundreds of departures
The airport reopened later Monday after investigators secured the scene.
Federal Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation.
Key areas of focus include:
- Air traffic control communications
- Runway clearance procedures
- Coordination between ground vehicles and aircraft
- Possible human or procedural error
Investigators are expected to review cockpit recordings, control tower audio, and surveillance footage.
Aviation Safety Concerns
The incident is likely to renew scrutiny over airport ground operations, particularly:
- Runway crossing protocols
- Communication between controllers and emergency vehicles
- Staffing and workload pressures in control towers
Experts say collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles are rare but can be catastrophic when they occur.
What Happens Next
Authorities are expected to release additional details in the coming days, including:
- Identification of the pilots
- A preliminary timeline of the incident
- Early findings from investigators
A full NTSB report could take months.
The Bigger Picture
The crash represents one of the most serious U.S. aviation incidents in recent years involving ground operations, underscoring the critical importance of precision and coordination on active runways.
While passengers largely survived, the loss of the two pilots highlights the severe risks even during routine landing procedures.
Updates
This is a developing story. Ocean County Press will continue to provide updates as more verified information becomes available.