2 Pilots Dead, 41 Injured after Air Canada CRJ-900 Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport

Operations at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are at a standstill in the early morning hours of Monday, March 23, 2026, after an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 collided with a ground vehicle during its landing roll. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended all flight activity at the airport as emergency teams respond to the scene.

According to Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York, the airport will remain closed until 2 p.m. today.

The 21-year-old aircraft, registered C-GNJZ was operating flight AC8646 from Montreal (YUL) to LaGuardia (LGA).

[YUL,LGA]

Accident Overview

The aircraft involved, an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 arriving from Montreal, struck a fire truck on Runway 4. According to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, the collision occurred at approximately 11:37 p.m. Eastern Time.

In response to the accident, the FAA confirmed that "New York City's LaGuardia Airport has been closed and a stop-ground order has been issued."

Casualties and Emergency Response

Updated reports indicate that 41 of the 72 passengers onboard were hospitalized. At the moment, the two pilots of the CRJ-900 have been confirmed dead.

While official numbers are being finalized, unconfirmed reports citing the New York Fire Department (FDNY) indicate that:

• Two firefighters are in critical condition.
• The pilot and copilot have been confirmed dead.
• 41 passengers on board the CRJ-900 have sustained injuries.
• Multiple individuals are believed to be in critical condition.
• Heavy Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) deployment continues across the airfield to manage the aftermath and assist the injured.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani provided a statement about the accident:

I have been briefed on the tragic collision that took place at LaGuardia Airport late last night.

 

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, and the City is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners. I am grateful to our first responders, whose swift actions saved lives.

Canada's Transport Minister, Steven MacKinnon, said the following:

I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident at LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada Express aircraft from Montreal.

 

My thoughts are with the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives, as well as all those who were injured.

 

Canada is working closely with U.S. authorities as they investigate this incident, and we are monitoring the situation closely. Aviation safety remains our top priority.

Communication and Investigation

According to Mint, preliminary data and audio reconstructions from the time of the accident suggest a breakdown in runway incursions protocols. Reports indicate that "air traffic control repeatedly instructed both the aircraft crew and the ground vehicle to halt moments before the impact."

The FAA and local authorities have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the presence of the fire truck on an active runway during the aircraft's arrival.

This is a developing story.