Air Canada Plane Collides with Fire Truck, Pilots Killed
An Air Canada CRJ-900 passenger plane collided with an ARFF (airport fire) vehicle while taxiing on the runway after landing.
The AC8646 flight from Montreal struck a fire truck identified as “Truck 1” near Taxiway E while slowing down on Runway 4. At the time of the collision, the plane’s ground speed was approximately 21–24 knots.
Casualties and Injuries
According to initial official reports:
The pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit were killed.
Two personnel in the fire truck were hospitalized with fractures; their condition was reported as stable.
Of the 76 passengers and 4 crew members on board, 70 were injured in various ways, most of the injuries being minor.
Preliminary investigations highlighted air traffic control (ATC) communication. Records indicate the fire truck was initially cleared to cross the runway, then abruptly received a “Stop!” command.
Airport Closure
Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted all flights at LaGuardia.
The airport is expected to remain closed at least until 2:00 PM local time.
Numerous flights were redirected to John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting the investigation into the accident.
