Fatal Collision at LaGuardia Airport Involves Jet and Fire Truck
A fatal accident occurred at New York’s LaGuardia Airport around 11:40 p.m. when an Air Canada regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck.
Authorities reported that the fire truck was responding to assist a United Airlines flight that had aborted two takeoff attempts due to mechanical issues. Crew members from the United flight declared an emergency and requested permission to return to the gate.
According to air traffic control audio, the fire truck requested clearance to cross an active runway. A controller initially granted permission but urgently instructed the truck to stop moments before the collision.
The impact resulted in the deaths of both the jet’s pilot and co-pilot. Several other individuals sustained injuries; the extent of their injuries remains unconfirmed.
Following the incident, LaGuardia Airport was temporarily closed to all traffic. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the clearance given to the fire truck and visibility factors at the time of the incident.