TORONTO (TNND) — A flight attendant is recovering after being ejected from an Air Canada plane during a fatal runway collision at New York's LaGuardia Airport on March 22.
Solange Tremblay, a crew member on Jazz Aviation Flight 8646, was found strapped in her jump seat over 320 feet from the wreckage. Her daughter, Sarah Lepine, shared on GoFundMe that Tremblay is facing severe injuries, including two open fractures in her legs and a fractured spine. She has undergone multiple surgeries and faces more procedures and rehabilitation.
As of Monday, the fundraising effort has raised over $185,000 from more than 2,100 donations. Lepine expressed concern about possible infections that could complicate her mother's recovery.
The runway collision, which killed both pilots, involved the plane striking a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle on Runway 4. Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia noted it marks the first fatal incident at the airport in 34 years.
Authorities stated the fire truck was responding to an emergency aboard a United Airlines flight when it crossed the runway. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy indicated the event likely resulted from multiple failures, highlighting that the runway warning system was ineffective because the fire truck lacked a transponder.
Investigators are scrutinizing why the fire truck was on the runway and did not heed air traffic control warnings. Meanwhile, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announced his retirement following backlash over an English-only condolence message.
Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Rousseau's lack of compassion and judgment in his response.