A routine landing at LaGuardia Airport turned deadly Sunday night when an Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck, killing both pilots and injuring two firefighters. The plane, arriving from Montreal with over 70 people onboard, had just touched down when passengers felt a jolt and a loud bang.
Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic in the cabin, but a last-second maneuver by the pilots—attempting reverse thrust—may have reduced the crash’s impact and saved lives. Passengers praised the pilots as heroes.
One pilot, a 30-year-old from Quebec passionate about aviation, was remembered for his lifelong dedication to flying. Air traffic control audio captured frantic attempts to stop the truck moments before the collision.
The crash shut down LaGuardia for hours, stranding passengers and causing widespread confusion. Authorities say the aircraft hit the truck at around 24 mph; many injured were later released from hospitals.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at LaGuardia, with pilots warning about miscommunication, heavy traffic, and pressure on controllers—especially during bad weather. Previous near-misses at LaGuardia and Newark have fueled calls for stricter safety measures.