Pilot, co-pilot dead; over 70 injured as Air Canada plane hits truck at New York's LaGuardia

An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 sits on the runway after colliding with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York, on March 23, 2026. Air Canada Express flight AC8646 originated from Montreal and collided with the fire truck during landing. (AFP)

The pilot and co-pilot have died, and more than 70 people are reported injured after an Air Canada plane collided with a fire truck on the runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport early Monday. The crash occurred as the aircraft was landing, triggering a major emergency response and forcing authorities to shut down operations at the busy airport.

BREAKING: Several injuries after Air Canada plane and firetruck collide on runaway at New York's LaGuardia Airport pic.twitter.com/cO6u5HD1YA

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The Federal Aviation Administration said there is a "high" likelihood the suspension will be extended, though it has not yet specified the cause of the disruption. Several videos and photos circulating online show significant damage to the aircraft's cockpit.

New York's emergency management authority warned people to "expect cancellations, road closures, traffic delays & emergency personnel" near the major transport hub in the borough of Queens. "Use alternate routes," it said on X.

As per flight tracking site FlightRadar24, the plane was being operated by regional carrier Jazz. The CRJ-900 aircraft, currently manufactured by Mitsubishi, seats about 76 passengers, a CNN report said.

(With inputs from AFP)