Tragic Collision at LaGuardia Airport Involving Air Canada Flight
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.
🚨 HORROR FOOTAGE: Video shows Air Canada Flight AC8646 colliding with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport.Both pilots are dead. Dozens of passengers and two on the truck were injured.LGA remains closed as NTSB investigates. pic.twitter.com/QtV3CMs3Uz
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 23, 2026
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.