Runway miscommunication blamed as investigators probe fatal collision involving Air Canada flight in New York
An Air Canada passenger jet collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport, killing both pilots and injuring multiple passengers, officials confirmed.
The CRJ-900 aircraft, arriving from Montreal, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members when the accident occurred on the runway. Authorities said the fire truck had been cleared to cross the runway for an emergency inspection involving another aircraft, leading to the fatal collision during landing.
Investigation Focuses on Air Traffic Control Error
Preliminary findings suggest a possible communication breakdown with air traffic control. Audio recordings indicate the controller initially warned the flight about the vehicle entering the runway but moments later instructed it to stop. Roughly 20 minutes after the crash, the controller reportedly admitted fault, citing confusion during another emergency situation.
Among the survivors, senior flight attendant Solange Tremblay miraculously lived despite being thrown nearly 330 feet from the aircraft while still strapped to her jump seat. She suffered multiple leg fractures and is expected to undergo surgery. Her daughter described her survival as a “miracle.”
Passengers recounted terrifying moments during landing, including violent shaking, sudden braking, and a loud explosion that hurled several people from their seats. Survivors later helped each other evacuate the damaged aircraft.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, focusing on runway safety protocols and communication procedures.
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