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

New York’s LaGuardia Airport was temporarily shut down after an Air Canada jet collided with a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle on Sunday night, March 23, 2026, resulting in the deaths of the flight’s two pilots. The incident, which occurred around 11:40 p.m., also injured dozens of passengers and crew members.

Details of the Collision

The Air Canada regional jet, operating as Jazz Aviation flight, struck the fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport. The fire truck was responding to a separate incident and had been given permission to check on another plane that had aborted its takeoff. An air traffic controller attempted to halt the fire truck before the collision, and subsequently expressed self-blame, stating, “I messed up.” AP News

The impact severely damaged the cockpit of the aircraft, and a flight attendant was ejected from the plane but survived. Los Angeles Times

Injuries and Hospitalizations

Approximately 40 passengers and crew members on board the Air Canada jet, along with two personnel from the fire truck, were transported to local hospitals. Most of those injured have since been released. CNN

Airport Closure and Investigation

LaGuardia Airport was closed until at least Monday afternoon, March 24, 2026, to allow for a thorough investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). New York Times The airport will remain closed at least until 2 p.m. Monday for the investigation. CNN

Government Shutdown Impact

The arrival of specialists to investigate the crash was reportedly slowed due to the ongoing government shutdown. New York Times

Flight Details

The flight originated from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. It was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. AP News