An Air Canada Express plane collided with a Port Authority fire rescue truck at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport on Sunday, March 22. The accident occurred late in the evening, shortly before midnight, and two pilots were killed in the accident. The airline said in a public statement that a Jazz Aviation Mitsubishi CRJ-900 aircraft was involved in the accident.
“Flight AC8646, operated by Air Canada Express subsidiary Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz), originated from Montreal,” Air Canada said in a statement on Monday, March 23. The initial passenger list indicates the aircraft was carrying approximately 72 passengers and four crew members, although this is subject to confirmation. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has confirmed that the pilot and first officer were killed in this incident. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Jazz employees, and express our sincere condolences. “Our condolences.” For the entire jazz community and their families.
The incident comes amid widespread unrest at American airports due to the partial government shutdown that affected Transportation Security Administration employees. Some have called in sick due to unpaid work, causing longer than usual wait times at airports.
Below, get updates on everything we know so far about the tragic plane crash at LaGuardia.
An Air Canada plane collided with a car while landing on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York City tonight. pic.twitter.com/GKD9e7pr3X
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 23, 2026
How many people died in the Canadian LaGuardia plane crash?
Two pilots were killed in a LaGuardia Airport crash, officials announced. At the time of publishing this report, no deaths among passengers had been reported, but dozens were injured in the accident. According to NBC News, 41 people were injured.
However, Air Canada could not immediately confirm the exact number of casualties, according to CNN.
What caused the Air Canada plane crash at LaGuardia Airport?
The plane crash appears to have been caused by communication problems. The fire rescue vehicle was reportedly allowed to cross the runway while the Air Canada Express plane was landing.
Is LaGuardia Airport closed?
The Port Authority announced that LaGuardia Airport will be closed until at least 2 p.m. ET on March 23.
