Jet and Fire Truck Collide at LaGuardia, Killing Pilot and Copilot
Late on Sunday evening, March 22, 2026, an Air Canada regional jet tragically collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The incident resulted in the deaths of the pilot and copilot, while 39 passengers and crew members sustained injuries, some of them serious. Fortunately, most of them have since been released from medical care.
Details of the Collision
The Air Canada flight, operated by Jazz Aviation, was landing when it struck a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle. This collision severely damaged the jet’s nose. Both the pilot and copilot were Canadian nationals and had been based in Canada.
Injuries and Casualties
- Fatalities: 2 (pilot and copilot)
- Injuries: 39 passengers and crew members
- Fire truck injuries: 2 Port Authority employees (non-life-threatening)
The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Kathryn Garcia, reported on the incident at a news conference on Monday. She confirmed that the fire truck was en route to a separate incident related to a United Airlines flight when the crash occurred.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the accident, which has resulted in LaGuardia Airport being closed until at least 2 p.m. on Monday. Preliminary communications revealed that an air traffic controller had ordered the fire truck to stop moments before the collision.
Impact on Flight Operations
In light of the incident, several flights have been canceled, leaving passengers stranded. Many had arrived at the airport well in advance to avoid long lines, only to be affected by the tragic events.
Airport Information
LaGuardia Airport, one of America’s busiest airports, ranked as the 19th busiest in 2024, accommodating over 16.7 million passengers. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of air travel safety and effective ground operations.
As investigations continue, both authorities and passengers are seeking answers regarding the events that unfolded leading up to this tragic collision.
