BREAKING News: Pilot, Co-pilot Killed After Air Canada Express Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia

*This is a developing news story with more updates expected.

UPDATE 7:19AM : Jazz Aviation, operating as Air Canada Express, has issued a statement.

“Today is an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident involving flight 8646,” said Doug Clarke, President, Jazz Aviation LP. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our two pilots and our unwavering support to those who have been injured.”

“As the investigation unfolds, we are fully committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities to determine what happened. We will share updates as soon as verified information becomes available. We will continue to provide our full support in the days and weeks ahead.”

“Jazz is cooperating with the investigating authorities involved in the investigation into the cause of this accident.

Friends and family members of passengers on flight 8646 can call 1-800-961-7099 for more information.”

The pilot and co-pilot of Air Canada AC6846 were killed at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) last night when the arriving Jazz Aviation Bombardier CRJ-900 collided with an airport rescue vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:38 PM Sunday. Reports says the plane had just arrived from Montreal and was travelling at approximately 45 km/h when it struck a Port Authority Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle.

Reports say the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the impact. Two Port Authority personnel were inside the fire truck and are reported to be in stable condition with broken limbs. There were 76 passengers and four crew members onboard. Seventy were treated for injuries, but the majority are reported as minor. In its 7:19AM update, Jazz Aviation said the exact number of injuries and fatalities is not available at this time.

AirLive.net reports that preliminary audio from LiveATC.net suggests a potential breakdown in ground communication. 

In the recordings, a controller can be heard clearing “Truck 1” to cross Runway 4 at Taxiway D. Moments later, the tone shifts to panic as the controller screams, “Stop Truck 1! Stop, stop, stop!” 

The aircraft was decelerating at the moment of impact. AirLive.net states: “Despite the relatively low speed, the height difference between the CRJ-900’s nose and the heavy fire apparatus led to ‘significant structural damage,’ with photos showing the aircraft’s nose tilted sharply upward.”

LGA is currently estimated to remain closed until at least 2:00 PM ET today. Hundreds of flights have been diverted to Newark (EWR) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) airports.