A passenger aboard the Air Canada Express flight that collided with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport on March 22 described the crash as chaotic and credited the pilot for taking decisive action. Jack Cabot, one of 72 passengers on the CRJ-900 aircraft, said the pilot “hit the brakes as hard as he could” just before the deadly impact.
Details of the Crash and Immediate Aftermath
Cabot recalled the plane landing hard and stopping abruptly before the collision, which caused the aircraft to veer sharply and passengers to be thrown around inside the cabin. “It didn’t feel like anyone was in control of anything,” Cabot said. Both pilots died in the crash, but their names have not yet been released. The Air Canada Pilots Association described them as career professionals dedicated to passenger safety.
There were 72 passengers and four crew members aboard. Officials reported that more than 39 passengers and crew, along with at least two firefighters, were hospitalized with injuries, some severe. Cabot said many passengers suffered head wounds from the impact.
Investigations and Airport Impact
The Port Authority confirmed that the emergency vehicle was responding to a separate incident on Runway 4 when the collision occurred during the plane’s landing. Air traffic control audio released shows frantic attempts by controllers to stop the fire truck from crossing the active runway shortly before the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the circumstances of the collision. LaGuardia Airport remained closed until at least 2 p.m. the day following the crash.
Official Responses
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canadian officials were cooperating with U.S. authorities to investigate the “deeply saddening” incident. Former President Donald Trump commented briefly, saying, “They made a mistake. It’s a dangerous business. That’s terrible,” without specifying parties involved.
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