Air Canada Flight Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia, Resulting in Fatalities and Injuries

An Air Canada Express flight from Montreal to New York's LaGuardia Airport collided with a fire truck during landing on March 22, 2026, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and injuries to several passengers and crew members. The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada Express, struck the fire truck that was crossing the runway as the plane landed. The collision destroyed the cockpit and forward galley sections of the aircraft.

Among the injured was flight attendant Solange Tremblay, who was ejected from the aircraft while still strapped to her seat. Her daughter, Sarah Lépine, described her survival as a "complete miracle," noting that Tremblay was found more than 100 meters from the plane. Tremblay sustained multiple bone fractures and underwent surgery for a broken leg.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident, with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada assisting in accordance with international agreements.

Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at LaGuardia Airport, which remained closed until 2 p.m. the following day. Many flights were diverted to nearby airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Air traffic control recordings revealed that, moments before the crash, staff attempted to stop the fire truck from crossing the runway. One controller can be heard saying, "Stop, Truck 1. Stop," as they tried to prevent the collision.

The aircraft involved, registered as C-GNJZ, was a 20-year-old Bombardier CRJ900LR delivered new to Jazz Aviation in late 2005.

Jazz Aviation, owned by Chorus Aviation, operates regional flights on behalf of Air Canada under the Air Canada Express brand.

The NTSB's investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as more information becomes available.