A shocking incident unfolded at LaGuardia Airport on Monday when an Air Canada Express aircraft collided with a ground vehicle, leaving multiple people injured and forcing a major disruption to flight operations.
The aircraft involved has been identified as Air Canada CRJ flight AC8646, operated by Air Canada. According to initial reports, the plane was taxiing on the ground when it struck a fire truck—referred to as Truck 1—while attempting to cross Runway 04/22.
Flight-tracking data suggests that the aircraft was not airborne at the time of the collision, indicating the crash occurred during ground movement rather than takeoff or landing.
Several people are reported to have been injured in the collision, though authorities have not yet released official figures or details regarding the severity of injuries. Videos circulating on social media appear to show visible damage to the aircraft, but these visuals have not been independently verified.
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a temporary closure of LaGuardia Airport and issued a ground stop, halting all departures.
New York’s emergency management officials warned of widespread disruption, urging travelers to expect cancellations, delays, and heavy congestion in and around the airport area in Queens. Authorities also advised commuters to avoid the vicinity and use alternate routes due to road closures and emergency response activity.
As of early Monday, the airport’s official website showed that most departing flights had either been delayed or cancelled.
Firefighters and emergency crews responded swiftly after receiving reports of a collision on the runway. A spokesperson for the city’s fire department confirmed that teams were dispatched to handle “an incident involving a plane and a vehicle.”
Adding to the dramatic sequence of events, audio from the airport’s air traffic control tower has surfaced online. In the recording, officials can be heard urgently shouting “Stop, stop, stop!” moments before or during the collision, highlighting the suddenness of the incident.
Authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation into how the aircraft and the ground vehicle ended up on the same runway path. More information is likely to emerge as officials review surveillance footage, air traffic communications, and ground control procedures.
The incident has once again raised concerns about ground safety protocols at busy international airports, even as officials work to restore normal operations at one of New York City’s key aviation hubs.
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