Deadly Crash at LaGuardia Airport Sparks Chaos

Air traffic control recordings reveal frantic moments before collision between plane and emergency vehicle

Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:33am

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Two people were killed and at least 41 others injured after a Jazz Aviation flight operating for Air Canada collided with a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night. Dramatic audio recordings captured the air traffic controller's frantic attempts to stop the vehicle from crossing the runway, just seconds before the deadly crash occurred.

Why it matters

The incident at LaGuardia Airport highlights the high-pressure, time-sensitive nature of air traffic control operations and the potential for tragic consequences when things go wrong. It also raises questions about runway safety protocols and emergency response procedures at major airports.

The details

The collision occurred after the Port Authority vehicle was responding to a separate incident on the runway. Audio recordings reveal the air traffic controller urgently telling the vehicle to 'stop, stop, stop' just before the crash, and then informing the pilot of the Jazz Aviation flight that they had collided with the vehicle. The pilot of another aircraft on the runway at the time was heard saying 'that wasn't good to watch', while the air traffic controller admitted 'I messed up' while trying to handle the emergency situation.

  • The crash occurred at approximately 11:47 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • LaGuardia Airport remained closed until at least 2 p.m. ET on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The players

Jazz Aviation

A Canadian airline that operates regional flights on behalf of Air Canada.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The agency that operates LaGuardia Airport and oversees the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle involved in the crash.

Kathryn Garcia

The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“Truck One, stop, stop, stop!”

— Air traffic controller

“JAZZ 646, I see you collided with the vehicle. Just hold position. I know you can't move. Vehicles are responding to you now.”

— Air traffic controller

“That wasn't good to watch.”

— Pilot of another aircraft

“I tried to reach out to stop them. We were dealing with an emergency earlier and I messed up.”

— Air traffic controller

What’s next

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to arrive at LaGuardia Airport on Monday to begin their investigation into the cause of the deadly crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident at a major U.S. airport underscores the critical importance of clear communication, strict safety protocols, and effective emergency response procedures in the high-stakes world of air travel. It will likely prompt a thorough review of runway operations and emergency management practices to prevent similar accidents in the future.