Air Canada Express plane crashes into fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport leaving 2 dead

This story has been updated to reflect the changes regarding the injuries during the incident.

Update: 4 people were injured after an Air Canada passenger aircraft reportedly collided with a fire truck, according to NBC. 

Initial reports suggest that a sergeant and another officer suffered broken limbs but are currently in stable condition at a hospital. The aircraft had four crew members on board.

According to Air Canada’s X (formerly Twitter), Jazz Aviation released a statement saying, "Jazz Aviation LP ("Jazz"), operating as Air Canada Express, confirms that an incident involving AC8646 operated by a CRJ900 has occurred at LaGuardia (LGA). Flight 8646 was en route to LGA from Montréal (YUL). The preliminary passenger list indicates the aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and 4 crew members, although this is subject to confirmation. The incident occurred at approximately 11:47 PM on March 22, 2026. Further details will follow as soon as possible."

Additionally, NYPD officials stated that following the Air Canada incident at LaGuardia Airport, "all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice. Expect delays and avoid the area if possible."

QUEENS, NEW YORK: An Air Canada flight 8646, operated by Jazz Airlines (Flight 646) from Montreal, crashed into a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night, March 22. 

Two people died at the scene, and at least three were critically injured, as per reports. Five firefighters with red tags were hurt. Over 100 passengers were also injured, as per COLlive. In FDNY terms, a red tag means an immediate, life-threatening emergency. The plane struck the vehicle at a speed of about 24 miles per hour (39 kilometers per hour).

Emergency responders quickly descended on Runway 4 at the Queens airport following the horror accident, which occurred just before 11:40 pm. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ground stop for all flights at LaGuardia, according to an official notice.

Air Canada Express plane hits vehicle at LaGuardia airport

A commuter plane’s front was smashed and tilted in the air after it hit a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, as per the flight tracking website FlightRadar24. The Bombardier CRJ 900 had passengers on board, and their condition is being checked. Sources told the New York Post that the passengers included a group of Orthodox Jews from the New York area.

The crash happened on Runway 4 as the plane came from Montreal. Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene. All 60 passengers are safe.

Several videos on social media showed rescue operations and passengers evacuating the plane. Some videos, not yet verified, showed damage to the plane’s nose. In the clips, the nose of the plane was lifted slightly as passengers left the aircraft.

Authorities confirm that a plane from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport with more than 100 passengers hit a fire truck while taxiing after landing.

FAA halts flights after LaGuardia crash

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ground stop for all flights at LaGuardia Airport, according to an official notice. The airport closing caused other incoming flights to be diverted. Emergency crews are still active on the runway, using foam operations, satellite support, and FAST teams.

The collision happened as the Air Canada flight, operated by regional carrier Jazz Airlines, was heading to a gate during heavy weather, according to ColLive. LaGuardia Airport had issued an alert late Sunday, warning that rainy and cloudy conditions could affect flight operations.

The airport remains closed, and the FAA has confirmed the ground stop due to an aircraft emergency. The FAA, Port Authority, and Air Canada have not responded immediately to requests for comment from The New York Post.