An Air Canada Express Bombardier CRJ-900 has collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), with unconfirmed reports suggesting at least two fatalities and dozens of critical injuries. Early images of the accident reveal significant damage to the regional jet’s cockpit, nose and front fuselage.

The collision reportedly occurred near LGA’s Runway 04 as the aircraft was performing its landing. The airport has now suspended all operations as emergency services tend to the injured.

Air Canada CRJ-900 Smashes Into LaGuardia Fire Truck

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At least two people have reportedly been killed after Jazz Airlines Flight 646, an Air Canada Express service from Montreal, collided with a fire truck while taxiing after landing at LaGuardia. According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft had landed at 23:37 local time following a one-hour flight from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

Images of the aftermath reveal catastrophic damage to the front of the CRJ-900, which had tipped back onto its tail, leaving its gnarled nose and front fuselage in an elevated position. Along with the two reported fatalities, several more passengers are said to be critically injured, with a total of 70 injuries among passengers. Critical injuries are also reported among the firefighters occupying the truck.

Fire Truck Cleared To Cross Runway

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Air traffic control (ATC) recordings reveal that the fire truck, identified as Truck 1, requested clearance to cross Runway 04, which was granted. However, moments later, a controller frantically ordered the truck to stop as Jazz Airlines Flight 646 was speeding along the runway.

Flightradar24 data shows that the CRJ-900’s last recorded ground speed was 21 kts, although its speed at the time of impact will almost certainly have been much higher. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ground stop at LaGuardia following the accident, grinding all operations to a halt.