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New York City, NY (March 23, 2026) – A late-night aviation crash at LaGuardia Airport left two crew members dead and dozens injured after a plane struck a fire truck on the runway. The incident happened around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, as the aircraft was landing.
Officials said a Jazz Aviation flight operating for Air Canada collided with an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle that was responding to another situation. The impact occurred during landing operations, leading to a large emergency response and the temporary shutdown of the airport.
The plane was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members at the time of the crash. The pilot and copilot were killed in the collision. A total of 41 passengers and crew were taken to the hospital, and 32 were later released after receiving treatment.
Two people inside the fire truck were also hospitalized and reported to be in stable condition. The extent of other injuries has not been fully detailed at this time.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
What Happens During Runway Incidents at Major Airports?
Runway incidents can involve aircraft, ground vehicles, or both, especially during busy airport operations. These events often occur when multiple units are moving across the same space, such as during landings, takeoffs, or emergency responses.
Airports use strict coordination systems between pilots and ground crews to manage movement safely. Communication is handled through air traffic control, which directs both aircraft and emergency vehicles on the ground. Even with these systems, timing and visibility can affect how situations unfold.
When a crash happens on a runway, operations are usually halted to allow emergency teams to respond and secure the area. Inspections of equipment, runway conditions, and communication logs may later help explain how the incident occurred.
