Air Canada plane crash: Pilot and co-pilot dead after plane collides with fire truck at New York airport

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia confirmed the crash happened at 11.40pm last night (3.40am on Monday GMT) and that 72 passengers and four crew were on board the plane.

"Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased and notifications are being made by Air Canada’s care team at this time," she said.

Two Port Authority employees who were traveling in the fire truck also were said to be injured.

A total of 41 people, including passengers, crew, and aircraft rescue and fire fighting officers, were taken to the hospital. It is understood 32 have now been released from hospital.

The airport was ordered closed until 2pm on Monday (6pm GMT) to facilitate the investigation.

There were 72 passengers and four crew members aboard the plane, a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada, the airline said.

The flight originated at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said in a statement: “At approximately 11.40pm on Sunday (3.40am on Monday GMT), 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.”

The statement noted the Port Authority Police Department and the agency’s chairman and executive director are at the scene on the runway of the airport, which is closed while the accident is investigated.

Jazz Aviation issued a statement confirming the accident and noting the passenger and crew list was preliminary and subject to confirmation.

The New York Police Department also took to X to share a statement.

They 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."