Tragic Collision at LaGuardia Airport: Jet Crashes into Firefighting Vehicle
An Air Canada regional jet collided with a firefighting vehicle on the runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport, resulting in two fatalities. The airport was temporarily closed as authorities investigated the accident.
New York City - Tragedy struck at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night when an Air Canada regional jet collided with a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle after landing. The accident resulted in two fatalities, according to a person familiar with the investigation.
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. local time, causing the airport to be temporarily closed as authorities worked to clear the runway and investigate the cause of the collision. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the jet strike the fire truck on the tarmac, leading to the devastating crash.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}"It was a horrific scene," said one airport employee who witnessed the accident. "The jet hit the fire truck with tremendous force, and it was clear from the start that there were going to be casualties."
The Air Canada flight, which originated from Toronto, had just landed and was taxiing to the gate when the collision occurred. The two individuals killed in the incident were reportedly a firefighter and a member of the flight crew.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident," said a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia Airport. "We are working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding this incident."
LaGuardia Airport, a major transportation hub serving the New York City metropolitan area, was shut down for several hours as crews worked to clear the runway and investigate the collision. Flights were delayed or diverted to nearby airports, causing significant disruptions for travelers.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}"Safety is our top priority, and we will leave no stone unturned in our effort to understand what happened and prevent a tragedy like this from occurring again," the Port Authority spokesperson added.
The investigation into the LaGuardia Airport collision is ongoing, and authorities have promised a thorough and transparent process to determine the root cause and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: NPR
