(DDM) – An Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, prompting authorities to halt all flights temporarily.
DDM reports that the incident occurred during routine airport operations, causing significant disruption to departures and arrivals at one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States.
Officials confirmed that no passengers aboard the aircraft were seriously injured, and emergency services responded immediately to contain the situation.
The fire truck involved in the collision was reportedly performing standard runway safety duties when the crash occurred, according to airport authorities.
Air Canada Express described the incident as “unexpected” and stated that investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport safety officials had been dispatched to examine the cause of the collision.
Airport operations were temporarily suspended to secure the runway, reroute incoming flights, and ensure the safety of all personnel on the tarmac.
Passengers at LaGuardia reported delays and temporary flight cancellations, with some flights diverted to nearby airports as authorities worked to clear the scene.
New York Police Department and airport security collaborated with fire and emergency teams to investigate the sequence of events, ensuring there were no additional risks to airport operations.
The FAA is expected to release a preliminary statement on the cause of the collision, with a full investigation anticipated to take several weeks.
Airport management assured travelers that normal operations would resume once safety inspections and runway clearance were completed.
Witnesses described a tense moment as the plane and fire truck made contact, though emergency protocols appeared to prevent any catastrophic damage.
Air Canada Express expressed gratitude to emergency responders for their rapid response and reassured the public that passenger safety remained its top priority.
Observers note that while such incidents are uncommon, they underline the critical need for vigilance in high-traffic airport environments, especially during busy flight periods.
Flight resumption at LaGuardia is expected gradually, with officials urging passengers to monitor airline notifications and prepare for potential delays.
The collision has sparked discussions among aviation authorities about improving runway safety measures, particularly regarding coordination between ground vehicles and incoming or outgoing flights.
