A passenger who survived the Air Canada runway crash has said she feels she owes her life to the two pilots who died.
On March 22, the aircraft struck a ground vehicle while on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York. A City Fire Department spokesperson said firefighters were called out at 11:38pm local time.
The flight had departed Montreal and arrived in New York. It was reportedly moving at around 24mph when it hit an airport vehicle operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
In response, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said in a statement: “At approximately 11.40pm 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.”
Two pilots died in the crash, and at least 41 people were taken to hospital.
The pilots were identified as Air Canada first officer Mackenzie Gunther, 30, and Captain Antoine Forest, 24.
Among those on board was Charlotte Jorgensen, who previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2005.
In a post shared on Instagram, she said the two pilots “made the ultimate sacrifice” and explained that the aftermath has been difficult for her, describing the toll it has taken “physically, mentally and emotionally.”
She wrote: “A week ago tonight, after a fabulous weekend in Montreal, I boarded Air Canada 8646 bound for La Guardia NYC.”
She went on to say: “By now, probably most of you have heard of the collision that happened with a firetruck on the runway. I owe my life to two brave souls Captain Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther – they made the ultimate sacrifice so that we all could live…. I am indebted to them and my thoughts are with their families.”
Jorgensen added that she felt little in the immediate moments after the impact because “adrenaline was rushing” through her, but said the days since have been challenging “physically, mentally and emotionally.”
“I am at home now, and Nelson and Vivianna are taking good care of me. I will be taking time to heal. I am grateful for all the love I have received and I send you all an extra warm hug,” she wrote. “Thank you to my @dancingwiththestars family for your care and concern.”