Air Canada Plane Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport, Killing Two Pilots

New York’s LaGuardia Airport was temporarily closed on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after an Air Canada regional jet collided with a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle on Runway 4. The incident resulted in the deaths of both pilots and injuries to 41 others, according to officials. The airport reopened at 2 p.m. On Monday, March 23, 2026, after a full investigation.

Details of the Collision

The collision occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. On Sunday. The aircraft, a Jazz Aviation flight operated on behalf of Air Canada, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. It had originated from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal. The Port Authority fire truck was responding to a separate, unrelated report of an “odor” on a United flight at the time of the incident.

Audio recordings from Sunday night reveal attempts to instruct the vehicle to stop before the collision occurred according to the Associated Press. The impact crushed the nose of the Air Canada jet, leaving it tilted upward with the rear section resting on the runway.

Injuries and Response

In total, 41 people were injured in the collision. Thirty-two of those injured were released from local hospitals, while others remain hospitalized with serious injuries as reported by NBC News. Firefighters responded to the scene at 11:38 p.m. After receiving reports of a plane colliding with a vehicle.

Investigation and Airport Closure

The Port Authority Police Department and agency leadership are on scene investigating the incident. LaGuardia Airport was closed following the collision and remained closed until at least 2 p.m. On Monday, March 23, 2026, with the possibility of an extended closure. Authorities have advised people to avoid the area according to NBC News.

Official Reactions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sadness over the crash, stating that Canadian officials are working with U.S. Authorities during the investigation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is en route to LaGuardia Airport to assess the situation and oversee the investigation as reported by NBC News.

Key Takeaways

• An Air Canada flight collided with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026.
• Both pilots were killed in the collision, and 41 others were injured.
• LaGuardia Airport was closed for several hours while authorities investigated the incident.
• Investigations are underway by both U.S. And Canadian authorities.