Deadly Plane Crash at LaGuardia Airport Leaves 2 Dead, Dozens Injured

Authorities continue investigation into collision between Air Canada jet and fire truck on runway

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A tragic incident unfolded at LaGuardia Airport in New York on Monday night when an Air Canada regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck on the runway shortly after landing, leaving two pilots dead and over 40 people injured. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash, including potential issues with air traffic control procedures and runway coordination.

Why it matters

The deadly crash at one of the nation's busiest airports has raised serious questions about aviation safety and the coordination between aircraft and ground vehicles on airport runways. It also highlights the risks that emergency responders face when attending to incidents at airports.

The details

The Air Canada Express Flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, had just arrived from Montreal around 11:47 p.m. Sunday when it struck the fire truck that was responding to a separate, unrelated incident. The plane, carrying 72 passengers and 4 crew members, suffered major front-end damage. At least 41 people, including passengers, crew, and emergency personnel, were taken to nearby hospitals, with several sustaining serious injuries. Two Port Authority officers in the fire truck also suffered broken bones.

  • The incident occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • The airport remained closed into Monday afternoon as emergency crews responded.

The players

Air Canada Express Flight 8646

A regional jet operated by Jazz Aviation that collided with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport.

Port Authority

The agency that operates LaGuardia Airport and whose fire truck was involved in the collision.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who expressed condolences following the incident.

Mark Carney

The Canadian Prime Minister who called the incident "deeply saddening".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to investigate this tragic incident to determine the cause and ensure it never happens again.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

“This is a deeply saddening event, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families.”

— Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a full investigation into the crash, focusing on factors such as aircraft speed, air traffic control procedures, and runway coordination. Canadian officials are assisting, while U.S. authorities are leading the inquiry.

The takeaway

This tragic incident at one of the nation's busiest airports highlights the critical importance of aviation safety and the need for robust coordination between aircraft and ground vehicles on airport runways. It serves as a somber reminder of the risks that emergency responders face when attending to incidents at airports.