New York’s LaGuardia Airport experienced a major disruption late Monday night when an Air Canada Express flight collided with a Port Authority fire truck on the runway. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. Local time on March 23, 2026, resulted in the deaths of the flight’s two pilots and left dozens injured, prompting a temporary closure of the airport. The crash is under investigation, and officials are working to determine the cause of the collision.
Air Canada Express flight AC8646, a CRJ-900 aircraft operating on behalf of Air Canada, was arriving from Montreal with 72 passengers and four crew members on board when it struck the fire truck, according to reports from NBC News and The Independent. The Port Authority fire truck was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines flight that had aborted takeoff due to an anti-ice warning, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding events. The impact occurred at a speed of approximately 24 mph, according to FlightRadar24 data.
The collision resulted in a significant emergency response. A total of 41 people – including passengers, crew, and aircraft rescue and firefighting officers – were transported to local hospitals, Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia told reporters. As of early Tuesday morning, 32 of those individuals had been released, though some remain hospitalized with “serious injuries,” according to Garcia. Two Port Authority police officers, a sergeant and an officer, were among those injured, sustaining broken bones, NBC New York reported. A flight attendant was reportedly ejected from the plane during the impact but survived.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for LaGuardia Airport following the crash, halting all departures and diverting incoming flights. The airport is expected to remain closed until at least 2 p.m. On Monday, March 23, 2026, according to the FAA, impacting over 400 flights and disrupting travel for thousands of passengers. Flights scheduled to land at LaGuardia were diverted to other area airports or instructed to return to their origin points.
Investigation Underway, Cause Remains Unknown
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The NYC medical examiner is handling the case, and investigators are examining flight data recorders and conducting interviews with witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. Audio from the airport tower reportedly captured a clearance for the fire truck to cross the runway, followed by a shouted order for “Truck 1” to stop, suggesting a potential miscommunication or unforeseen circumstance. Neither Air Canada nor the Federal Aviation Administration have yet issued official statements regarding the incident.
Regional Impact and Travel Disruptions
The closure of LaGuardia Airport is causing significant ripple effects throughout the regional air travel network. With approximately 900 flights departing and arriving daily, LaGuardia is a critical hub for air travel in the New York metropolitan area. The extended closure is expected to lead to further delays and cancellations at other airports in the region as airlines operate to accommodate stranded passengers and re-route flights. The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with airport operations and the importance of robust safety protocols.
The incident also raises questions about coordination between airport personnel and emergency responders. The fact that the fire truck was responding to another incident at the time of the collision suggests a potentially high-pressure environment and the need for clear communication protocols to prevent such accidents.
As of Tuesday morning, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not announced whether it will be launching a full investigation. However, given the fatalities and the severity of the incident, an NTSB investigation is likely. The investigation will likely focus on factors such as air traffic control procedures, runway visibility, and the operational status of both the aircraft and the fire truck.
The situation at LaGuardia Airport remains fluid. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and to expect significant delays. Authorities are working to restore normal operations as quickly and safely as possible.
This represents a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they grow available.
