At least two people were killed and dozens injured late Sunday when an Air Canada Express flight collided with a Port Authority vehicle at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, prompting a full closure of the airport and a federal investigation.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight as Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a CRJ-900 aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation, was landing after a flight from Montreal, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and flight tracking data. The aircraft struck a fire truck, described by authorities as an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) engine, while taxiing on the runway.
Jazz Aviation confirmed in a statement that the flight was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. While a preliminary passenger list is still being confirmed, the airline acknowledged the incident occurred at approximately 11:47 p.m. On March 22, 2026.
The pilot and co-pilot of the Air Canada jet were killed in the collision, NBC News reported, citing sources. Dozens of others sustained injuries, though the extent of those injuries remains unclear. The Port Authority vehicle was reportedly operated by police officers, with early reports indicating a sergeant and an officer suffered broken limbs and were in stable condition at a local hospital.
Photos circulating on social media depict significant damage to the nose of the Air Canada aircraft, which was tilted upward following the impact. Reuters images taken after the accident present the extent of the damage.
An air traffic control recording from LiveATC.net captured urgent instructions from a controller to a vehicle to halt its movement shortly before the collision. Minutes later, the controller announced an incident on the airfield.
The FAA issued a ground stop for all flights at LaGuardia Airport, which is expected to remain in effect until at least 2 p.m. On Monday, March 23, 2026. As of early Monday morning, 18 flights had been diverted to other airports in the New York area or returned to their origin points, according to Flightradar24.
The New York City Fire Department responded to a call at 11:38 p.m. Regarding the incident involving a plane and a vehicle on the runway. The Port Authority confirmed the collision involved one of its Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicles.
Air Canada referred inquiries to Jazz Aviation, stating it was aware of the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA have not yet released detailed statements regarding the cause of the collision, and investigations are ongoing.
LaGuardia Airport had earlier advised passengers of flight disruptions due to weather conditions, urging them to check with their airlines for updates. The airport remains closed as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
