An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and injuring dozens more.
An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 collided with a fire truck while landing at New York's LaGuardia airport, killing both pilots and injuring dozens, reported Reuters.
The aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal. Jazz and the Port Authority confirmed the deaths of the pilot and first officer.
Kathryn Garcia of the Port Authority stated that 32 of the 41 injured had been released, while nine remained in the hospital with serious injuries. Two firefighters were also hurt in the incident.
Investigators are examining air traffic control staffing and communications after audio revealed that the fire truck had been cleared to cross Runway 4 moments before the collision.
This crash occurs amid shortages of air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers linked to a partial government shutdown. The airport was closed until Monday afternoon, resulting in more than 546 flight cancellations.
The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed a team to investigate the incident. Canadian Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon stated that Ottawa is working closely with U.S. authorities as the probe continues.
