A desperate warning echoed across the control tower just seconds before disaster struck.
Air traffic controllers were heard shouting “stop, stop, stop” moments before an Air Canada Express plane collided with a ground vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
The crash has now turned into a deadly aviation incident, raising serious questions about runway safety.
Federal investigators are working to piece together what went wrong.
Final Seconds Before Impact
An audio clip circulating online captures the tense final moments before the collision.
In the recording, a controller urgently orders a ground vehicle identified as Truck 1 to stop while attempting to cross Runway 4.
At the same time, pilots of nearby aircraft were instructed to hold position or go around.
Within seconds, the controller appears to realize the collision is unavoidable.
Officials have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the audio, but investigators are expected to review all communication records.
Details of the Crash
The incident involved Air Canada Express Flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, arriving from Montreal.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ 900, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.
It collided with a Port Authority fire rescue truck on Runway 4 at around 11:40 pm local time.
According to early data, the plane struck the vehicle at approximately 24 miles per hour.
Casualties and Injuries
The pilot and co pilot were critically injured and later died during treatment, according to reports.
Several firefighters on the ground vehicle also suffered injuries, including broken limbs.
Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft, and emergency teams quickly secured the area.
Officials are still assessing the full extent of injuries.
Why the Truck Was on the Runway
Airport officials said the fire truck was responding to a separate emergency involving another aircraft.
Reports indicate a United Airlines plane had declared an issue on the ground due to a strange odor onboard.
The fire crew was attempting to cross the runway to reach that aircraft when the collision occurred.
Runway crossings require precise coordination between controllers and ground crews, making timing critical.
Flights Halted Across LaGuardia
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop following the crash.
Flights were delayed or diverted as emergency crews worked on the runway.
You can follow official updates from the FAA at the Federal Aviation Administration website.
New York emergency officials warned of widespread disruptions and urged travelers to expect delays.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to lead the investigation into the crash.
Investigators will examine air traffic control communications, flight data, and ground vehicle movements.
Details about aviation accident investigations can be found at the National Transportation Safety Board site.
Officials aim to determine whether communication errors, weather, or timing failures caused the incident.
A Growing Safety Concern
This crash highlights the risks of runway operations at busy airports.
Even small timing errors can lead to devastating consequences when aircraft and vehicles share the same space.
As more details emerge, aviation experts are calling for a closer look at safety protocols.
For now, the focus remains on understanding how a warning came too late to stop a tragedy.