TORONTO (TNND) — An Air Canada flight attendant is hospitalized after being ejected from a plane during a runway collision at New York's LaGuardia Airport on March 22.
Solange Tremblay, a crew member on Jazz Aviation Flight 8646, suffered severe injuries after being thrown more than 320 feet when the aircraft collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4. Both pilots on board were killed.
According to her daughter, Sarah Lepine, Tremblay remains conscious and is undergoing treatment for multiple fractures, including two shattered legs and a fractured spine. She is expected to face several surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
Lepine reported that over $185,000 has been raised via a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical costs. “My mom is fighting to recover but is at risk of infections, which could lead to serious complications,” she stated.
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia confirmed this incident marked the first fatal accident at LaGuardia in 34 years. The fire truck was responding to a report of an odor from a separate United Airlines flight when the collision occurred.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, focusing on the ASDE-X runway warning system, which reportedly malfunctioned since the fire truck lacked a transponder. Investigators are examining why the truck was on the runway and the response from air traffic controllers.
In related news, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announced his retirement after facing backlash for an English-only condolence message, described by Prime Minister Mark Carney as lacking compassion.