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.<\/p>\n
Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic in the cabin, but a last-second maneuver by the pilots\u2014attempting reverse thrust\u2014may have reduced the crash\u2019s impact and saved lives. Passengers praised the pilots as heroes.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at LaGuardia, with pilots warning about miscommunication, heavy traffic, and pressure on controllers\u2014especially during bad weather. Previous near-misses at LaGuardia and Newark have fueled calls for stricter safety measures.<\/p>\n