Late Sunday night, injuries were reported when an Air Canada flight collided with a vehicle on the runway at New York City’s LaGuardia International Airport.
The involved aircraft, Air Canada Express Flight AC8646, a Bombardier CRJ-900LR operated by Jazz Aviation, had arrived from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, carrying around 76 passengers and crew, summing up to approximately 80 to 85 individuals on board.
Initial reports indicated that as the plane taxiied after landing, it collided with a Port Authority Police Department Air Crash Rescue truck while nearing Runway 04/22 on an adjacent taxiway.
Footage shared online captured the aircraft tilted back on its rear wheels, showing significant damage, especially to the front and cockpit area. Emergency responders were activated, and a second alarm was issued according to scanner communications.
No concrete numbers regarding injuries or fatalities have been disclosed at this time. Passengers were witnessed being evacuated onto the tarmac.
The New York Post reported four firefighters sustained injuries during the collision with the firetruck.
🚨 UPDATE: Queens, NY — LaGuardia Airport on runway 4 escalates:
FDNY reports 5 red tag firefighters and over 100 passengers injured.
Heavy ARFF deployment continues (foam ops, satellites, FAST team); runway closed, mass casualty protocols active. Airport shut down; more… https://t.co/4EJh30DHEj pic.twitter.com/Tx2MXvwIYF
— Breaking News (@TheNewsTrending) March 23, 2026
These firefighters belong to the Port Authority Police Department. Evacuation efforts relocated all passengers to Port Authority buses for further examination according to the reports.
Witnesses suggest that the collision happened as the plane was approaching a gate amidst inclement weather conditions affecting the area.
Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have not provided any statements. Both Air Canada and the Port Authority are yet to issue public comments.
This story is still unfolding, and more details will follow as they emerge.
