Air Canada Express Flight Collides with Emergency Vehicle
An Air Canada Express regional jet struck a Port Authority fire truck on the runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late on March 22, 2026, resulting in two fatalities.5848
The Bombardier CRJ-900, operating Flight 8646 from Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, carried 72 passengers and four crew members. The collision occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Runway 4 as the aircraft taxied after landing and the rescue vehicle crossed the runway.3738
Fatalities and Injuries Reported
Sources confirm the pilot and co-pilot died in the crash, with the impact severely damaging the aircraft’s nose and cockpit.5836 Two Port Authority police officers from the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Unit suffered serious injuries, including broken bones, while at least four firefighters also sustained injuries. Passengers and remaining crew are undergoing evaluation, with reports of minor injuries among some.58
Airport Response and Investigation
LaGuardia Airport halted all flights following the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop, and the National Transportation Safety Board dispatched a team to investigate.38 Jazz Aviation, operating the flight for Air Canada Express, acknowledged the event and noted further updates would follow.37
Emergency crews responded promptly, and images show the plane tilted upward with significant front-end destruction.
