Authorities are urging people to “avoid the area” after an Air Canada aircraft struck a ground vehicle while on the runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
A spokesperson for the New York City Fire Department said crews were dispatched late Sunday night (March 22) after receiving a report that a commercial plane had crashed on the runway at 11:38pm local time.
According to reports, the flight had arrived from Montreal and was travelling at roughly 24mph after landing when it collided with a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey airport vehicle.
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.”
Police also issued a warning in the wake of the collision. In a statement posted on X, the New York Police Department said: “Due to an emergency incident at LaGuardia Airport, all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice. Expect delays and avoid the area if possible.”
Jazz Aviation, which operated the Air Canada service, said there were 76 people on board, including four crew members. Local media reports indicate there have been several injuries.
LaGuardia has been shut down since the incident, with passengers advised to anticipate major disruption, including delays and cancellations.
The Federal Aviation Administration said no flights will arrive or depart until at least 2pm ET on Monday (March 23).
LaGuardia Airport said in a statement: “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.”
The statement continued: “This is a developing situation based on preliminary information. The Port Authority Police Department is working closely with our airline partners as well as federal authorities and will provide additional updates as more details become available.”