LaGuardia Airport Plane Hits Fire Truck: Injuries Reported – March 2026
New York, USA – A ground stop at New York’s LaGuardia Airport was initiated late Sunday night after an Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on the runway, resulting in multiple injuries. The incident, involving a flight arriving from Montreal, has prompted a full investigation by aviation authorities and is expected to cause significant disruptions to air travel throughout Monday.
According to reports, the Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation, struck a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey fire truck while landing on Runway 4 at approximately . The aircraft was traveling at around 24 miles per hour (39 kph) at the time of impact, according to FlightRadar24 data.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for all flights at LaGuardia, initially until 0530 GMT. A subsequent notice indicated the possibility of an extended closure, potentially lasting until 1800 GMT. The airport has since reopened with delays.
Initial reports indicate that the pilot and co-pilot of the Air Canada Express flight sustained serious injuries. Four firefighters responding to the incident also suffered injuries, including broken limbs, and are currently in stable condition at a local hospital. The extent of injuries to passengers, if any, remains unconfirmed, though reports suggest approximately 100 passengers were on board the aircraft.
The New York Fire Department responded to the scene, but provided limited details beyond confirming a reported incident involving a plane and vehicle on the runway. Air Canada, the FAA, and the New York Fire Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Unverified footage circulating on social media appears to show damage to the nose of the aircraft. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collision, with early speculation focusing on potential communication breakdowns that may have allowed the fire truck to be on the runway during the aircraft’s landing. Air traffic controllers reportedly attempted to halt the vehicle before the collision occurred.
The incident raises questions about safety protocols at LaGuardia Airport and the coordination between air traffic control and ground personnel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and is expected to launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
This incident occurs at a particularly sensitive time for air travel, as airports across the United States continue to grapple with increased passenger volumes and potential staffing shortages. Any prolonged closure of LaGuardia Airport is likely to have a ripple effect on air traffic across the Northeast, leading to widespread delays and cancellations.
Flights between New York and Montreal are a frequent route, with Expedia currently listing one-way fares starting at $106 and round-trip fares at $244. The disruption caused by this incident will undoubtedly impact travel plans for many passengers traveling between these two cities.
The collision highlights the inherent risks associated with airport operations and the critical importance of maintaining robust safety measures. The investigation will likely focus on reviewing communication procedures, runway visibility, and the training of both air traffic controllers and ground personnel. The findings of the NTSB investigation will be crucial in preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
While the full extent of the damage and the long-term impact on LaGuardia Airport’s operations remain to be seen, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in ensuring the safety of air travel. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.