Two pilots are dead and at least 41 others were taken to hospital after an Air Canada Express flight collided with a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, officials said Monday.
Air Canada said flight AC8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, originated in Montreal and was involved in an accident upon landing at about 11:30 p.m.
“At 11:40 last night, Air Canada flight 8646, operated by Jazz, collided with a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle on Runway 4,” Port Authority executive director Kathryn Garcia said at a news conference Monday.
Garcia said the plane was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, while the emergency vehicle carried two officers.
“Initial numbers indicate that 41 passengers and crew were transported to the hospital as well as the ARFF officers,” Garcia said. “At this time, we understand that 32 have been released, but there are also serious injuries.”
“Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased, and notifications are being made by Air Canada’s care team,” she said.
Air Canada said the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey had confirmed the captain and first officer were killed. The airline said it could not confirm the exact number of injuries or whether there were other fatalities. It said emergency services were on site caring for injured passengers and that some had been taken to local hospitals.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a post on X that the collision involving the Air Canada Express aircraft “claimed the lives of the pilot and co-pilot, and injured dozens more.”
“The collision involving an Air Canada Express aircraft last night in New York that claimed the lives of the pilot and co-pilot, and injured dozens more, is deeply saddening,” Carney wrote.
“Canadian officials are working closely with their U.S. counterparts on the ground as the investigation continues. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on X he had been briefed on what he called the “tragic collision” at LaGuardia. He said the National Transportation Safety Board was investigating and that the city was in close contact with federal, state and local partners. Mamdani also thanked first responders, saying their swift actions saved lives.
Mamdani said Air Canada had set up a hotline for friends and families of affected passengers and said LaGuardia Airport was closed. He said the Port Authority was advising travellers to check with their airline for the latest flight information before going to the airport.
Garcia said the airport was expected to remain closed until at least 2 p.m. EDT Monday to facilitate the NTSB investigation.
Air Canada said its teams and Jazz Aviation staff were preparing to travel to the site and were co-operating with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation.
The airline said family and friends seeking information about passengers on flight AC8646 can call 1-800-961-7099.
You can track updates on Air Canada’s website.
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