What we know about the deadly runway crash at LaGuardia Airport between a plane and emergency vehicle
A ground collision between a plane and fire-rescue vehicle killed two pilots and injured dozens of other people at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night.
The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the plane crash. Forty-one people were taken to hospitals — 39 from the aircraft and two Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting officers from the emergency vehicle.
One of LaGuardia’s two runways reopened Monday afternoon allowing some flights to resume, while crash wreckage remained on the second runway.
What happened at LaGuardia Airport?
An arriving Air Canada Express plane operated by Jazz Aviation collided with the firetruck on a runway just before midnight. There were 72 passengers and four crew members onboard.
According to CBS News senior transportation and national correspondent Kris Van Cleave, the truck was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines flight at the time of the collision. The crew on that United plane reported an odor in the cabin and requested assistance from firefighters.
Air traffic control apparently cleared the fire-rescue vehicle to cross the runway to get to the United flight before then telling it to stop, according to audio recordings.
“Stop, stop, stop truck one, stop, stop, stop,” a person is heard saying.
The Air Canada flight had just landed and was still traveling at about 100 mph when it collided with the emergency vehicle, sources said. Pictures showed the front of the plane destroyed.
Ryan Murphy / AP
When will LaGuardia Airport reopen?
One runway at LaGuardia reopened Monday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration had issued a ground stop for the airport until at least 2 p.m. Monday.
Hundreds of flights of flights were cancelled Monday, with many others delayed until later in the day, according to the airport’s website. Air travelers should keep a close eye on any flights scheduled Monday and into Tuesday.
NTSB investigation at LaGuardia
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was “launching a go team.”
United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy arrived at the airport on Monday.
According to Van Cleave, investigators will look into the communication breakdown. They will work to determine how the vehicle was allowed to be on the runway as the plane landed, and whether the air traffic controller was working alone.
The Canadian counterpart to the NTSB, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, will aid in the investigation. A team from the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) is also traveling to support the NTSB.
“The loss of our two fellow crewmembers onboard Flight 8646 is a profound tragedy,” said APLA president Jason Ambrosi. “These pilots dedicated their careers to the safe transport of passengers, and we are all thinking of their families, loved ones, and colleagues at Jazz Aviation during this devastating time.”
Mayor Mamdani on LaGuardia crash
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a statement on social media Monday morning.
“I have been briefed on the tragic collision that took place at LaGuardia Airport late last night. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, and the City is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners.
“I am grateful to our first responders, whose swift actions saved lives. The flight operator, Air Canada, has set up a hotline for friends and families of affected passengers: 1-800-961-7099. LaGuardia Airport is currently closed,” he wrote on X.
New York, New Jersey officials speak out
“Heartbreaking news out of LaGuardia this morning,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on X. ”Two pilots were killed and dozens injured in this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected. The airport will remain closed until 2:00 PM. We’ll continue to share updates as they become available.”
“My thoughts are with the victims and the families affected by the terrible crash at LaGuardia Airport, and I am hoping for the full and swift recovery of those who were injured,” New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said on X. “We will continue to work closely with the Port Authority to help ensure the safety of all who travel through our airports.”
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer said he is heartbroken about the crash.
“Thank you to the brave first responders their quick action, and I am praying for the passengers, crew, and their families. We need an immediate investigation into what happened here so we can make sure it never happens again,” he wrote on social media.
Kris Van Cleave
contributed to this report.
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