New York, U.S. — Two people have been killed after an Air Canada aircraft collided with a firefighting vehicle at LaGuardia Airport, prompting authorities to shut down the busy airport and launch an investigation into the incident.
According to a law enforcement source cited by CBS News, the collision occurred late Sunday night when the plane, arriving from Montreal, struck the emergency vehicle on the runway. The firefighting truck had reportedly been responding to a separate incident at the time.
Video footage circulating online shows significant damage at the scene, including debris scattered across the runway, an overturned firefighting vehicle, and the nose of the aircraft tilted upward following the impact.
There were approximately 70 passengers and crew members on board the Air Canada flight. Local media reports indicate that several individuals sustained injuries, though the extent of those injuries has not yet been fully confirmed.
Emergency responders quickly flooded the area, with a heavy presence of fire, police, and medical personnel working to secure the scene and assist victims.
LaGuardia Airport officials announced that the airport has been closed until further notice. In a statement, authorities said operations would remain suspended as emergency crews continue their work and investigators assess the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that disruptions could continue, noting a “high” likelihood that the closure will be extended.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, and the cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Further updates are expected as officials provide more details.
