An Air Canada Express aircraft collided with a rescue vehicle at New York LaGuardia Airport. In the accident, the captain and first officer lost their lives, while 41 people were taken to hospital. The FAA suspended flights, and the NTSB launched an investigation.
Fatal Midnight Runway Accident
According to officials, a passenger aircraft and a rescue vehicle collided at around 23:40 on Sunday night, March 22, at LaGuardia Airport. The aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada Express, struck an ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) vehicle on the runway.
In the accident, the captain and first officer lost their lives, while a number of emergency personnel were injured.
Rescue Vehicle Was on the Runway for Another Incident
According to officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the rescue vehicle was on the runway at the time of the collision to respond to another aircraft due to a suspected odor reported in the cockpit.
Air traffic control recordings revealed that the vehicle had been cleared to enter the runway but was instructed to stop urgently seconds later.
41 People Hospitalized
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia stated that there were 72 passengers and 4 crew members on board the aircraft.
According to initial findings:
- 41 passengers and crew were hospitalized
- 32 people were discharged after treatment
- The condition of the two personnel in the rescue vehicle is stable
Passengers were directed to airline counters after the incident and reunited with their families.
Runway Covered with Debris, Emergency Declared
Following the collision, numerous fire, ambulance, and police teams were dispatched to the scene. It was reported that debris from both the aircraft and the rescue vehicle spread across the runway.
Emergency response protocols were activated, with teams taking precautions against fire risk while carrying out the evacuation of the injured.
Airport Closed, Flights Suspended
Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that LaGuardia Airport had been closed and flights suspended.
Closure notice:
- March 22, 23:50
- Valid until March 23, 14:00
It was stated that adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, and low cloud cover were present in the area at the time of the incident.
NTSB Launches Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that it had launched an official investigation into the accident.
In a statement, the Board said that all aspects of the collision between Air Canada Express flight 8646, a Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, and a fire vehicle would be thoroughly examined.
https://www.airportgundem.com/laguardiada-pist-kazasi-2-pilot-oldu-41-kisi-hastaneye-kaldirildi/
