Tragic Collision at LaGuardia Airport Involving Air Canada Flight

A catastrophic incident occurred at LaGuardia Airport when Air Canada flight AC8646 collided with a Port Authority fire truck, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and injuries to numerous passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. With LaGuardia currently closed, travelers are advised to check their flight status as hundreds of flights have been affected. Political leaders have expressed their condolences and gratitude to first responders. Stay tuned for further updates on this tragic event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 23:46 IST

Incident Overview

On Sunday night around 11:40 PM local time, an Air Canada flight, designated AC8646, which had just arrived from Montreal, collided with a firefighting vehicle belonging to the Port Authority on the tarmac of LaGuardia Airport in New York. The fire truck had been sent to respond to a separate issue involving another aircraft that had reported an odour problem, as stated by Kathryn Garcia, the executive director of the Port Authority. Unfortunately, the paths of the aircraft and the emergency vehicle intersected, leading to a disastrous outcome. Audio recordings from the air traffic control tower at LaGuardia captured the frantic moments before the crash, with an air traffic controller urgently instructing, "Truck One, stop, stop, stop!" just seconds prior to the impact.

Images from the scene depict the CRJ 900 regional jet leaning backward, with its cockpit nearly destroyed. The fire truck lies overturned amidst debris and twisted metal, presenting a shocking sight typical of severe aviation accidents.

Casualties

The Victims

The flight was carrying a total of 72 passengers along with four crew members. Tragically, both pilots lost their lives in the incident, though their names have not yet been disclosed. All other individuals on board have been accounted for, with 41 requiring hospitalization; 31 of those have since been released, while others sustained serious injuries. The two personnel in the fire truck at the time of the crash are reported to be in stable condition and not facing life-threatening injuries.

Ongoing Investigation

The Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators will assess various elements, including the aircraft's speed at the moment of impact, staffing levels in the air traffic control tower, and whether any passengers were ejected from the plane during the incident, according to Kathryn Garcia.

Reactions from Officials

What Political Leaders Said

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his condolences regarding the "tragic collision" and thanked first responders for their prompt actions that likely saved lives. He confirmed that the NTSB is conducting an investigation and that the city is collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies. Governor Kathy Hochul described the event as "heartbreaking" and extended her thoughts to the victims and their families.

Impact on Travelers

What It Means for Travellers

LaGuardia Airport is currently closed, with authorities estimating a potential reopening by 2 PM ET on Monday. This airport serves over 32 million passengers each year, making it one of the busiest in the U.S. As of Monday morning, most flights listed on LaGuardia's website were cancelled, with only a few experiencing delays. Numerous airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada, are affected. Travelers with flights scheduled through LaGuardia on Monday are advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.