NEW YORK, federal authorities are investigating a deadly runway collision at LaGuardia Airport that resulted in the deaths of two flight crew members and multiple injuries, following a chaotic sequence of events captured in air traffic control audio.
According to officials, the aircraft involved was Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a CRJ-900 regional jet operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada, which had arrived from Montreal carrying 72 passengers and four crew members when the incident occurred.
Preliminary findings indicate the aircraft collided with a rescue and firefighting vehicle on the runway, with a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirming the involvement of the emergency vehicle that had reportedly been cleared to cross while responding to a separate incident.
Air traffic control recordings revealed the urgent and rapidly evolving situation moments before the crash, with controllers issuing repeated warnings to stop the vehicle, including urgent calls to halt as both the aircraft and the fire truck moved into the same path.
Following the impact, a controller acknowledged the severity of the situation and instructed the aircraft to hold position while emergency crews responded, and in a candid exchange later captured on audio, the controller admitted to an error while managing an ongoing emergency, prompting reassurance from nearby flight crews.
Authorities confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the collision, with the aircraft sustaining catastrophic damage, particularly to the forward section of the fuselage.
Emergency responders transported dozens of individuals for medical evaluation and treatment, with at least 41 passengers and crew members taken to nearby hospitals, several of whom remained hospitalized, while additional injuries were reported among first responders.
The firefighting vehicle involved had reportedly been responding to a separate aircraft issue involving a possible onboard odor that caused discomfort among crew members, adding to the complexity of the situation.
In the immediate aftermath, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground stop at LaGuardia Airport, temporarily halting all flight operations while emergency teams secured the scene.
In a statement, Doug Clarke expressed sorrow over the loss of the flight crew, extending condolences to their families and support to those injured while confirming full cooperation with investigators. Jazz Aviation, a major regional carrier operated by Chorus Aviation, plays a significant role in Air Canada’s regional network across North America.
The incident has raised concerns regarding runway coordination, communication protocols, and the pressures faced by air traffic controllers during complex emergency situations, with the investigation ongoing as authorities continue working to determine the exact sequence of events and contributing factors behind the collision.
