Two pilots are dead following a collision between an Air Canada Express jet and an airport firetruck at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, according to officials.
The Port Authority said an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle was responding to a separate incident when it was struck by the aircraft.
More than a dozen passengers were injured in the crash, with several transported to Elmhurst Hospital and New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital for treatment.
Jazz Aviation, which operates Air Canada Express, issued a statement.
“Flight 8646 was en route to LaGuardia (LGA) from Montréal (YUL),” the company said. “The preliminary passenger list indicates the aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and 4 crew members, although this is subject to confirmation. The incident occurred at approximately 11:47 PM on March 22, 2026.”
According to NBC News, the aircraft had nearly completed its landing and was traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour when it collided with the firetruck. Early reports suggest a possible communications issue might have contributed to the crash.
Air traffic control audio from the incident appears to capture a controller saying he “messed up,” followed by another voice responding, “Nah man, you did the best you could.” The context and role of those individuals have not yet been officially confirmed.
Audio from Air Traffic Control when plane collided with fire truck at New York airport:
“Stop Truck 1, stop!”
“We were dealing with an emergency earlier and I messed up” pic.twitter.com/7dJcFov4gq
— BNO News (@BNONews) March 23, 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that LaGuardia Airport was shut down at 3:16 am and will not reopen until at least 2 pm.
The New York Police Department said: “Due to an emergency incident at LaGuardia Airport, all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice. Expect delays and avoid the area if possible.”
The crash comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown enters its 37th day, disrupting air travel and airport operations nationwide.
As a result, major airports in the United States are experiencing severe delays with security wait times over three hours. TSA officers are working without pay during the shutdown which has led to higher absences. Over four hundred have quit since mid-February. “They’re going to take other jobs to put food on the table and pay the rent,” said Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “I do think it’s going to get much worse, and as it gets worse, I think that puts pressure on Congress to come to a resolution.” President Donald Trump announced on Saturday he will send ICE agents to “help our wonderful TSA agents who have stayed on the job despite.”
