TORONTO (TNND) — An Air Canada flight attendant is hospitalized after being ejected from a plane during a deadly runway collision at LaGuardia Airport on March 22.
Solange Tremblay, a crew member on Jazz Aviation Flight 8646, was found over 320 feet from the wreckage while still strapped into her jump seat. According to her daughter, Sarah Lepine, Tremblay has sustained severe injuries, including two open fractures in her legs and a fractured spine that may require surgery.
Lepine reported that her mother faces numerous additional surgeries and extensive rehabilitation to regain the ability to walk. As of Monday, over $185,000 has been raised via GoFundMe for Tremblay's medical expenses and recovery.
Authorities confirmed that both pilots died in the crash when the plane collided with a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle on Runway 4. Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia stated this is the first fatal incident at the airport in 34 years.
The fire truck, which was responding to a separate incident on another flight, reportedly lacked a transponder, preventing the Runway Warning System (ASDE-X) from functioning correctly. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating why the fire truck was on the runway as the plane approached.
Meanwhile, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announced his retirement following criticism over a unilingual condolence message, drawing statements of disappointment from Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding perceived insensitivity.