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There was a fatal overnight plane crash at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, and officials say the airport will remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday.

What we know:

Authorities say two people were killed in the crash; both pilots aboard the aircraft.

According to preliminary information from the FAA, Air Canada Express Flight 8646 struck an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle after landing on Runway 4 around 11:45 p.m. Sunday. The CRJ-900 jet had arrived from Montreal.

The backstory:

Air traffic control audio captures the chaotic moments leading up to the collision. A Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) unit identified as “truck 1 and company” requested permission to cross the runway. The tower cleared the vehicle to cross Runway 4 at Delta before urgently issuing multiple commands to stop.

“Stop stop stop stop stop… stop truck 1 stop,” the controller can be heard saying.

Shortly after, operations at the airport were halted. “LaGuardia Airport is closed at this time, no aircraft in or out,” a transmission states.

Port Authority officials say the crash involved a PAPD emergency vehicle that had been responding to another aircraft reporting an odor.

By the numbers:

In total, 41 people — including passengers, crew members and PAPD officers were transported to nearby hospitals. 

Officials say 32 have already been released, while several others remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

The PAPD sergeant and officer inside the crash vehicle are in stable condition.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with teams already on scene and additional investigators expected to arrive later Monday. The FAA is also assisting.

LaGuardia Airport remains closed as the investigation continues and crews work to clear the scene. Officials say the closure could extend beyond the initial 2 p.m. estimate.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. Officials caution that this information is preliminary and subject to change.

The Source: This report is based on information from LaGuardia Airport.

Air and Space