A late-night landing at one of New York’s busiest airports turned into a frightening emergency.
An Air Canada Express flight collided with a ground vehicle at LaGuardia Airport, sending shockwaves through passengers and airport crews.
The incident forced officials to halt incoming flights and launch a full emergency response.
Authorities are now investigating how the crash happened on an active runway.
What Happened on the Runway
The collision occurred just before 11:40 pm local time on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ 900 operated by Jazz Aviation, had arrived from Montreal and was heading toward a gate.
During taxi operations, it struck a fire engine that was on or near the runway.
According to early reports, the nose of the plane suffered visible damage from the impact.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Several firefighters were injured in the collision, with reports indicating that at least four suffered serious injuries.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene as passengers began evacuating the aircraft.
Roughly 100 passengers were onboard at the time of the incident, and officials began medical evaluations shortly after.
No official confirmation has been released on the condition of passengers.
Flights Grounded Across Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for all incoming flights at LaGuardia.
This emergency order caused widespread disruptions, with planes diverted or delayed across the region.
You can review FAA safety updates at the Federal Aviation Administration official site.
The airport temporarily stopped arrivals while crews secured the runway and assessed damage.
Possible Cause Under Review
Officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the collision.
However, early reports suggest that poor weather conditions may have played a role.
Heavy weather was moving through the area at the time, which could have affected visibility and coordination.
Flight safety investigations often examine runway communication and timing between aircraft and ground vehicles.
Ongoing Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to assist in the investigation.
Information about aviation investigations can be found at the National Transportation Safety Board website.
Officials will review flight data, air traffic control communications, and ground operations.
The goal is to determine how both the aircraft and emergency vehicle ended up in the same path.
Why This Incident Matters
LaGuardia Airport handles thousands of flights each week, making safety coordination critical.
Runway incidents involving aircraft and ground vehicles are rare but can be dangerous.
This event raises new concerns about airport safety protocols and communication systems.
As the investigation continues, travelers and aviation experts are watching closely for answers.