A serious ground collision involving a regional jet operated by Air Canada occurred late Sunday night at LaGuardia Airport in New York, resulting in two fatalities, dozens of injuries, and a temporary shutdown of the airport. The aircraft, identified as Flight 8646 and operated by Jazz Aviation, had just arrived from Montreal and was landing when the incident took place at approximately 11:47 p.m. While slowing down on Runway 4, the plane collided with a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that had been responding to another situation on the airfield.
The crash caused severe damage to the front section of the aircraft and triggered an immediate and large-scale emergency response. Authorities reported that at least 41 people were transported to nearby hospitals, including 39 passengers and two Port Authority police officers assigned to firefighting duties. Most of the injured—32 individuals—were treated and released, while several others remained hospitalized with serious injuries. Officials confirmed that the two injured officers were in stable condition.
Tragically, both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the collision. Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of their families. Despite the severity of the crash, all passengers were accounted for, including an unaccompanied minor who was safely reunited with family members. Emergency responders were credited with acting quickly to prevent further loss of life.
Preliminary information suggests that the rescue vehicle had received clearance to cross Runway 4 at Taxiway Delta. However, air traffic control recordings indicate that controllers urgently instructed the vehicle to stop moments before the collision. Why the vehicle remained on the runway is now a central focus of the investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a full investigation and deployed a team to examine the scene. Investigators will review communications, ground movement procedures, and any potential human or mechanical factors that may have contributed to the incident.
In the aftermath, LaGuardia Airport was temporarily closed, causing multiple flight diversions and
