A collision between an Air Canada Bombardier CRJ-900 twin-jet aircraft and a Port Authority vehicle in LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York has halted air travel to and from the airport on Sunday, March 23. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has called all planes in LGA to a ground stop, and the airport has been closed for flights until Monday.
New York’ Police Department have given confirmation of the incident. No further information has been shared by the department. Under Air Canada Express, Jazz Aviation LP have confirmed the incident with further information into how many people were on board, with 72 passengers and four crew members. Firefighters responded to the scene, according to the New York City Fire Department.
In a statement, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said:
“At approximately 11:40 pm on Sunday, a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canda was involved in an incident on Runway 4 at LaGuardia airport in which the aircraft struck a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle.”
Two people have died following the collision, reported CBS News. An investigation team has been launched by the National Transportation Safety Board.
The regulator at LGA gave notice for a ground stop, which the FAA issued, indicating an emergency. The notice has been followed by another from the FAA stating that the duration of the airport’s closure could be extended to 2 p.m. local time (6 p.m. UK time). In a post on X, New York City Fire Department warned cancellations and closures in areas close to the airport, requesting people to use alternative routes.
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