Fatal Collision at LaGuardia: Air Canada Jet Collides with PAPD Fire Truck; Multiple Casualties Reported
Tragedy struck New York’s LaGuardia Airport early Monday morning when an arriving flight from Montreal collided with an airport fire truck on the runway, leaving at least two dead and dozens injured
A high-stakes emergency is unfolding at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) following a deadly ground collision between an Air Canada aircraft and a Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) fire truck.
According to preliminary reports and flight-tracking data, the incident occurred as Air Canada Flight 8646, arriving from Montreal, was on its landing roll or taxiing. The aircraft struck a fire truck, identified as “Truck 1,” which was reportedly attempting to cross the runway at the time of the collision.
Casualties and Injuries
Early reports from the scene indicate a grim toll:
* Two Fatalities: At least two individuals have been confirmed deceased. Initial reports suggest the victims were PAPD personnel stationed within the fire truck.
* Critical Injuries: Five firefighters have been "red-tagged" (classified as being in critical condition).
* Passenger Injuries: Over 100 passengers on board the Air Canada flight are reported to have sustained various injuries.
Among the passengers on the flight from Montreal, it has been confirmed that there were several members of the Jewish community (frum passengers) on board. Local emergency organizations are reportedly coordinating to provide both medical and pastoral support to those affected.
Initial Confusion over Flight Details
In the chaotic moments following the crash, early reports incorrectly identified the aircraft as a Frontier Airlines flight bound for Miami. However, authorities have since clarified that the involved aircraft was an Air Canada Express flight (operated by Jazz Aviation) arriving from Canada.
Investigation and Response
The airport has been plunged into a Ground Stop as federal investigators from the FAA and NTSB mobilize to determine how a rescue vehicle and a commercial jet ended up on the same active runway.
The collision, involving an estimated 300kg of aviation fuel and the massive force of the jet’s impact, decimated the fire truck.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.