Queens, NY (March 23, 2026) – A tragic crash at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, March 22, left two people dead and dozens injured after an arriving Air Canada regional jet struck a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4.
Emergency units rushed to the scene shortly after at around 11:30 p.m., when the aircraft collided with an airport rescue and firefighting vehicle that had entered the runway. Authorities said the Jazz Aviation Flight 646 CRJ-900 had just arrived from Montreal when the crash occurred.
Air traffic control communications reportedly included a warning telling the truck driver to stop after it moved into the aircraft’s path. Despite the warning, the plane struck the vehicle, shearing off the aircraft’s nose during the impact.
The pilot and co-pilot died in the collision. Officials confirmed that four firefighters riding in the rescue vehicle suffered critical injuries.
Emergency crews also helped dozens of passengers and crew members from the aircraft. Authorities reported that 41 people went to nearby hospitals for treatment, though doctors later released 32 of them after evaluation.
One flight attendant survived the crash after she was reportedly ejected through the front section of the aircraft. Port Authority police officers located and rescued her shortly after the accident.
Officials said the fire truck had been responding to a separate report involving an odor on a United Airlines flight when it entered the runway area. Investigators continue to review how the truck came into the path of the landing aircraft.
The plane carried 76 people at the time of the crash. Witness accounts from passengers described the frightening moments immediately after the impact as emergency teams moved quickly to help those onboard.
Two Port Authority officers riding in the fire truck also suffered serious injuries, including broken bones, though officials said they remained in stable condition.
Airport leaders activated emergency response protocols within minutes of the crash. Authorities grounded all flights at LaGuardia overnight as investigators secured the runway and began their review of the incident.
Flight disruptions spread quickly across the airport. Flight tracking data showed more than 400 scheduled flights arriving or departing LaGuardia faced cancellation early Monday morning.
Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the scene to examine the wreckage and gather information. Officials continue to analyze air traffic communications, runway procedures, and vehicle movements during the moments before the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in this tragic incident. We also wish a full recovery to those injured.
Legal Options Families Have After a Fatal Accident in New York
Families may have the ability to pursue a wrongful death claim after a fatal accident in New York. State law allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation when another party’s actions or negligence contributed to a person’s death. These claims often arise after serious crashes, aviation incidents, or other major accidents where investigators determine responsibility.
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