Air Canada Flight Collides with Ground Vehicle at LaGuardia Airport; Emergency Response Triggered

An incoming Air Canada Express flight from Montreal collided with a ground vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport approximately around 11:40pm (local time) on Sunday, triggering an emergency response and raising concerns over multiple injuries.

According to flight-tracking platform FlightRadar24, the incident occurred on runway 4 when the aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900, struck a fire engine while taxiing after landing. Early reports suggest that several individuals sustained injuries, including members of the emergency services. According to US media reports, at least four people were critically injured. Firefighters from the Port Authority Police Department are believed to be among those hurt, with some reportedly suffering broken limbs.

The pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft were also said to have sustained serious injuries, although officials have yet to release a confirmed medical update. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was carrying 76 passengers along with four crew members. Their conditions are currently being assessed. Reports indicate that the flight was operated by regional carrier Jazz Aviation.

Preliminary information suggests that the fire engine had been cleared to cross the runway in response to another aircraft, a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max, which had declared an emergency on the ground after crew members reported a strange odour onboard.

Visuals circulating on social media showed emergency evacuation and rescue operations underway at the airport. Some of the viral videos show damage to the nose section of the aircraft, with passengers seen disembarking. However, these clips have not been independently verified.

In response to the incident, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop at LaGuardia Airport. In a notice, the regulator cited an “emergency” situation and indicated that the halt in operations could be extended.

Airport operations were significantly disrupted, with arrivals either diverted to alternate airports or returned to their origin, according to the airport’s official website. In a separate advisory, the FAA noted that the airport could remain closed until 1800 GMT, although no official confirmation has yet been provided regarding the duration of the shutdown.

According to reports, the collision occurred amid adverse weather conditions as the aircraft was taxiing towards its gate. FlightRadar24 data indicated that the aircraft was moving at approximately 24 miles per hour (39 km/h) at the time of impact. Authorities are yet to release a detailed statement on the extent of the damage or a confirmed number of casualties, if any. Investigations into the incident are currently underway.​