Air Canada "deeply saddened" by LaGuardia deaths

Air Canada and its regional partner, Jazz Aviation, has said they are “deeply saddened” by the deaths of a pilot and first officer after a Jazz plane struck a firetruck on the runway upon landing at New York LaGuardia airport on Sunday night.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Jazz community and their families,” Air Canada said in a statement on Monday. In its own update, Jazz said it too was “deeply saddened by the loss” and is “working to support family members and employees at this difficult time.”

The CRJ-900 plane, operated by regional partner Jazz (operating as Air Canada Express), had traveled from Montreal with 72 passengers and four crew members before it crashed about 11:47 p.m. ET, the company said.

“Today is an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident involving flight 8646,” Jazz Aviation president Doug Clarke said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our two pilots and our unwavering support to those who have been injured.”

Names of those who were killed had not been publicly released at time of publication.

What To Know

The pilot and copilot were based out of Canada, said Kathryn Garcia, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport.

Two Port Authority employees traveling in the firetruck also suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, Garcia told reporters.

Garcia said the vehicle had been traveling to respond to a separate United Airlines aircraft that reported an odor issue before the collision.

Radio transmission captured before the collision included an unidentified air traffic controller saying, “Stop, stop, stop. Truck 1, stop. Truck 1, stop,” and later, “I messed up.”

“As the investigation unfolds, we are fully committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities to determine what happened,” Clarke added in his statement.

About 40 passengers and crew members were taken to area hospitals, some with serious injuries, authorities said Monday.

“The exact number of injuries and fatalities is not available at this time,” Jazz Aviation said.

Friends and family members of passengers on flight 8646 can call 1-800-961-7099 for more information.

An Air Canada Express plane sits on the tarmac after it collided with a firetruck on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport on March 23 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

What People Are Saying

A New York City medical examiner spokesperson said “our office has custody of the decedents and will be investigating.”

Air Canada said in a statement on Monday: “Air Canada and Jazz Aviation teams are preparing to make their way to the site and details will be provided through additional statements as soon as possible.”

LaGuardia Airport said in a statement on X on Monday: “At approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada was involved in an incident on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport in which the aircraft struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate incident.

“Emergency response protocols were immediately activated. The Port Authority Police Department is on scene along with the agency’s chairman and executive director. The airport is currently closed to facilitate the response and allow for a thorough investigation.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on X on Monday: “Heartbreaking news out of LaGuardia this morning. Two pilots were killed and dozens injured in this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on X on Monday: “I have been briefed on the tragic collision that took place at LaGuardia Airport late last night. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, and the City is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners. I am grateful to our first responders, whose swift actions saved lives. The flight operator, Air Canada, has set up a hotline for friends and families of affected passengers: 1-800-961-7099. LaGuardia Airport is currently closed. The Port Authority advises travelers to check with their airline for the latest flight information before coming to the airport.”

What Happens Next

LaGuardia airport is expected to remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday to facilitate the investigation.

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