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Plane Hits Fire Truck at LaGuardia, Injuring Firefighters and Passengers

An Air Canada Express aircraft collided with a fire truck while landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport, prompting a full emergency response. The incident has resulted in multiple injuries, with reports indicating at least five firefighters and over 100 passengers were hurt. The Federal Aviation Administration has closed the airport and imposed a ground stop on all flights as emergency operations and an investigation begin. Initial accounts suggest air traffic control had issued repeated halt instructions to both the plane and the ground vehicle prior to the collision.

Key Points: LaGuardia Airport Closed After Plane Collides with Fire Truck

  • Air Canada Express plane hits fire truck on landing
  • Multiple injuries reported, including firefighters
  • LaGuardia Airport closed, ground stop in effect
  • FAA investigating cause of runway collision
2 min read

Plane collides with fire truck at New York airport, multiple injuries reported

An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on landing at LaGuardia Airport, causing multiple injuries and a full ground stop.

"Audio recordings... suggest that air traffic control had repeatedly instructed both the flight crew and the ground vehicle to halt moments before the impact."

New York, March 23

Operations at New York's LaGuardia Airport were suspended after an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft collided with a ground vehicle on Runway 4, triggering an emergency response and a complete ground stop.

The aircraft, operated by Air Canada Express and arriving from Montreal, reportedly struck a fire truck during landing, according to initial accounts and flight-tracking data.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the airport has been closed and that a ground stop order has been implemented following the collision between the aircraft and the emergency vehicle.

Audio recordings circulating online, along with preliminary visual reconstructions, suggest that air traffic control had repeatedly instructed both the flight crew and the ground vehicle to halt moments before the impact occurred.

Unconfirmed reports, citing the New York Fire Department, indicate that at least five firefighters have been seriously injured, while more than 100 passengers on board the aircraft are also reported to have sustained injuries.

Emergency response teams, including Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) units, remain deployed at the site.

Initial information points to multiple injuries, including several firefighters and passengers, with some described as being in critical condition, although officials have not yet released final figures.

Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ground stop on all incoming and outgoing flights at the airport to facilitate emergency operations and begin an investigation into the cause of the collision.

The FAA announcement indicated that the airport's closure was due to an emergency, and there was a significant chance of a prolonged shutdown, though no specific information was provided. In a different advisory to pilots, the FAA stated that the airport might remain closed until 18:00 GMT.

Nevertheless, officials have not yet disclosed information regarding any injuries or the level of damage involved.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So scary! Just imagine being a passenger on that plane. The article says the ground stop might last hours. This will cause massive delays worldwide, including for flights to/from India. Airlines should proactively inform passengers.
A
Aman W
Firefighters are true heroes, rushing into danger. To hear they were the ones seriously injured while on duty is heartbreaking. The investigation must be thorough. Was it a communication failure, human error, or a vehicle malfunction? Praying for the injured.
S
Sarah B
While this is a major incident, I have to respectfully point out that the reporting feels a bit scattered. "Unconfirmed reports", "initial information", "not yet disclosed" – it creates confusion. Authorities should provide a single, clear source of information to avoid panic and speculation.
V
Vikram M
Ground vehicle incursions on runways are a serious risk everywhere. Indian airports like Delhi and Mumbai should take note and review their own procedures. Safety can never be compromised, yaar. Hoping for a speedy recovery for all affected.
K
Karthik V
The fact that over 100 passengers are reported injured is alarming. Thank God it was during landing and not at high speed during takeoff. Modern aircraft are sturdy, but a collision with a fire truck... shows how quickly things can go wrong. Thoughts with the families.

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