New York: A serious aviation accident occurred at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night when an Air Canada Express aircraft collided with a fire truck on the runway, resulting in heavy damage to the cockpit and prompting fears of pilot fatalities.

The aircraft, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, was flying as Flight AC8646 from Montreal to New York. The collision took place at around 11:40 pm local time on Runway 4.

According to preliminary information, the aircraft struck a Port Authority fire truck that was crossing the runway while responding to another emergency. Flight tracking data indicated that the plane was moving along the runway when the crash occurred.

Casualties and injuries

Early reports from US media outlets suggest that the pilot and co-pilot may have been killed, although authorities have not officially confirmed the deaths. Several others, including passengers and emergency responders, were reportedly injured and taken to hospital.

The aircraft was carrying around 76 people, including crew members, at the time of the incident.

Images from the scene showed severe destruction to the front section of the aircraft, particularly the nose and cockpit area. Emergency vehicles surrounded the plane as responders worked through the night.

The nature of the damage indicates a high-impact collision, especially affecting the cockpit, which is often the most vulnerable section in such incidents.

Airport shutdown and disruptions

Following the crash, authorities imposed an immediate ground stop, and the airport was temporarily shut down. Officials warned of significant flight cancellations, delays, and disruptions as emergency teams secured the site.

The airport, one of the busiest in the United States, was already facing operational strain due to weather-related delays and staffing issues.

What caused the crash

While the exact cause remains under investigation, initial findings point to a possible runway incursion — a situation where a vehicle enters an active runway at the same time as an aircraft.

The fire truck was reportedly crossing the runway during an emergency response, raising the possibility of a coordination or communication lapse between ground control and the aircraft.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a team to investigate the incident. Officials will review air traffic control communications, runway procedures, and flight data to determine the precise sequence of events.

Authorities have stated that the airport will remain closed until initial investigations and safety checks are completed. The incident highlights ongoing concerns around runway safety and coordination between aircraft and ground vehicles at busy airports. Runway incursions, though rare, are considered one of the most serious risks in aviation due to the potential for catastrophic collisions.

The findings of the investigation are expected to play a crucial role in preventing similar accidents in the future.