Local News
Pilot and Co-Pilot Dead After Air Canada Plane Collides With Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport
NEW YORK — Federal authorities are investigating a deadly runway collision at LaGuardia Airport that resulted in the deaths of two flight crew members and multiple injuries, following a chaotic sequence of events captured in air traffic control audio.
According to officials, the aircraft involved was Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a CRJ-900 regional jet operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada.
The flight had arrived from Montreal carrying 72 passengers and four crew members when the incident occurred.
Preliminary findings indicate the aircraft collided with a rescue and firefighting vehicle on the runway.
A spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed the involvement of the emergency vehicle, which had reportedly been cleared to cross the runway while responding to a separate incident.
Air traffic control recordings reveal the urgent and rapidly evolving situation moments before the crash. Controllers can be heard issuing repeated warnings to stop the vehicle, with one voice urgently calling, “Stop, stop, stop… Truck 1, stop,” as both the aircraft and the fire apparatus moved into a collision path.
Following the impact, a controller is heard acknowledging the severity of the situation and instructing the aircraft to hold position while emergency crews responded.
In a candid exchange captured on audio, the controller later stated, “We were dealing with an emergency and I messed up,” prompting reassurance from nearby flight crews.
Authorities confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the collision.
The aircraft sustained catastrophic damage, including severe impact to the forward section of the fuselage.
Emergency responders transported dozens of individuals for medical evaluation and treatment.
At least 41 passengers and crew members were taken to area hospitals, with several remaining hospitalized as of the latest update.
Additional injuries were reported among first responders.
The firefighting vehicle involved had reportedly been responding to a separate aircraft emergency involving reports of a possible onboard odor that caused discomfort among crew members.
In the immediate aftermath, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground stop at LaGuardia Airport, temporarily halting all flight operations while emergency crews secured the scene.
In a statement, Doug Clarke expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the flight crew, extending condolences to their families and support to those injured. He emphasized that the company is fully cooperating with investigators.
Jazz Aviation, a major regional carrier headquartered in Halifax and operated by Chorus Aviation, conducts hundreds of daily flights across North America and plays a key role in Air Canada’s regional network.
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding runway coordination, communication protocols, and the pressures faced by air traffic controllers during complex emergency situations.
The investigation remains ongoing as federal and local authorities work to determine the precise sequence of events and contributing factors behind the collision.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.