LaGuardia Runway Collision: Air Canada Jet Hits Fire Truck, Two Confirmed Dead

LaGuardia Runway Collision: Air Canada Jet Hits Fire Truck, Two Confirmed Dead

By Paul V. Young – TheNATIONWEEK.com | March 23, 2026

LAGUARDIA AIRPORT, NY – A catastrophic runway collision at LaGuardia Airport between an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 and an airport fire truck has resulted in at least two confirmed fatalities and dozens injured, including critically wounded firefighters.

The incident occurred on or near Runway 4 shortly after Air Canada flight AC8646, arriving from Montreal, had landed at around 11:40 PM local time on Sunday. The collision prompted an immediate airport shutdown and an FAA ground stop.

Disturbing audio from LaGuardia Tower reveals the tragic moments. Initial communications cleared Truck 1 to cross Runway 4. Moments later, the tower frantically issued a “Stop, stop, stop!” command, which came too late.

Subsequent transcripts confirm that “Jet 646” collided with the vehicle, with the pilot advised to “hold position” due to the inability to move amidst converging emergency vehicles. An inbound Delta flight was immediately ordered to “go around.”

The impact caused significant damage to the nose and cockpit of the Air Canada aircraft. Emergency services rapidly responded to the scene.

Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched investigations to determine the precise sequence of events leading to this rare ground collision.

The incident has left thousands of travelers stranded and raised urgent questions regarding surface movement protocols at one of the nation’s busiest airports. Further updates on casualties and the ongoing investigation are pending.

At least two Port Authority Police Department Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter Unit officers were seriously injured. One hundred passengers were on the Bombardier CRJ-900, with their conditions being evaluated. The collision happened as heavy weather hit the area.