LaGuardia Airport Collision: Update on Injuries and Investigation

Thu Mar 26 2026 02:37:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Following the recent tragic accident involving an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, most injured passengers have been released from the hospital while investigations continue into the incident that claimed the lives of two pilots.

In a serious collision at LaGuardia Airport, an Air Canada flight struck a fire truck on the runway, resulting in the death of two pilots. Although nearly all injured passengers have been discharged, four remain hospitalized. The damaged aircraft has since been moved from the runway as investigations proceed into the occurrence, which involved 76 occupants.

NEW YORK (AP) — The aftermath of a devastating collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport is still being felt as the airline reported that all but four of the injured passengers have been treated and released from the hospital. The incident, which took place on Sunday, tragically resulted in the deaths of both pilots of the aircraft.

More than 40 individuals were treated at local hospitals with varying degrees of injuries, some severe. Currently, the status of the four hospitalized individuals remains unknown while efforts have commenced to remove the wreckage from the runway. This key area of the airport is crucial for operational efficiency, and the wreckage had been impeding access to one of the runways since the accident.

The involved flight had departed from Montreal and was carrying 76 individuals at the time of the incident. An air traffic controller had reportedly granted the fire truck permission to cross the runway moments before the crash, which has raised questions regarding safety protocols at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

A major recovery operation began mid-week, with airport workers towing the damaged plane away from the scene. Images captured from the scene show smoke still rising from the remnants of the fire truck, now turned on its side. The plane's tail end was lifted on to a dolly as part of the removal process. Preliminary investigations suggest cutting and securing parts of the plane to facilitate safe transport to a hangar, where a thorough inspection will occur.

The airline expressed its intent to assist passengers in recovering their belongings that were on board at the time of the crash, promising to commence the reunification process shortly. The two deceased pilots have been identified as Mackenzie Gunther and Antoine Forest, with survivors expressing deep gratitude for the pilots’ quick response during the crisis. Despite the trauma, many managed to evacuate safely, including a flight attendant who survived through sheer luck as her seat was thrown onto the tarmac.

As investigations progress, all eyes remain on the regulatory implications and enhanced safety measures that may emerge in the aftermath of this tragic incident.