An Air Canada Express regional jet struck a vehicle on the ground Sunday evening at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, prompting a major emergency response and a disruption to air traffic. The aircraft involved was a CRJ-900 from Montreal, operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada Express.
According to initial reports from authorities and US media, the collision occurred shortly after landing. New York City police confirmed the incident, while the city's fire department reported being called around 23:38 p.m. to a report involving an aircraft and a vehicle on the runway. Images circulating on social media show the front of the aircraft severely damaged.
Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground stop, meaning a temporary suspension of air traffic to and from LaGuardia. Arriving flights were diverted to other airports or returned to their point of origin, while the airport website reported significant disruptions.
At least two dead and 70 injured
According to initial reports, at least two people were killed and approximately 70 others injured. Among the injured are four firefighters in critical condition, previously classified as "red tag" by FDNY emergency services.
The cause of the collision remains unknown. The impact reportedly occurred at low speed, around 24 mph (approximately 39 km/h). U.S. federal authorities are now expected to investigate the exact circumstances of the incident, including the vehicle's position in the traffic area and operational communications at the time of the collision.
