Two pilots have died and 41 others have been taken to hospital following a crash involving an Air Canada flight and a firetruck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
The flight originating from Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport was being operated by Air Canada Express through carrier Jazz Aviation. At about 11:40 p.m. Sunday night the aircraft flight AC 8646 struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting truck responding to another incident at the time.
When asked about the crash while addressing reporters earlier today, U.S. President Donald Trump said, “They made a mistake, it’s a dangerous business. That’s terrible.”
According to a statement from Air Canada, the flight was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. A statement from Port Authority New York said that 41 people were transported to hospital, 39 from the flight and two ARFF officers. Most of those taken to hospital had been released as of early Monday afternoon.
The Port Authority of New York, which operates the airport, confirmed that both of the flight's pilots were pronounced dead at the scene.
The aircraft involved is a Mitsubishi CRJ-900. The U.S. National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) is launching an investigation into the incident and is planning to hold a press conference later today.
“The NTSB is launching a go team to investigate the March 22 accident involving Jazz Aviation, Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a CRJ-900, that collided with a fire truck on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport in New York, NY. Chair Jennifer Homendy will serve as the on-scene spokesperson, accompanied by Member John DeLeeuw. The investigative team is expected to arrive today,” the NTSB said in a statement to Humber Et Cetera.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said they are also going to assist NTSB in their investigation
According to recordings, an air traffic controller gave flight AC 8646 clearance for landing before urgently saying, “Stop, truck 1, stop.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney offered his remarks through a post on X saying, “The collision involving an Air Canada Express aircraft last night in New York that claimed the lives of the pilot and co-pilot, and injured dozens more, is deeply saddening. Canadian officials are working closely with their U.S. counterparts on the ground as the investigation continues. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted.”
Air Canada has set up a hotline for family and friends who are concerned about passengers who may have been on the flight. “Family and friends who need information about passengers on Air Canada Express flight AC8646 may telephone Air Canada at 1-800-961-7099,” the airline said in a statement.
More updates to come.
