NEW YORK- An Air Canada Express (AC) CRJ-900 was involved in a ground collision with a fire truck at New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), prompting an immediate operational shutdown. Air traffic control audio captured urgent warnings moments before impact.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground stop at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) following the incident, with flights diverted and runway operations suspended as emergency protocols were activated.
Air Canada Express Collides with Fire Truck
An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 collided with a ground vehicle, believed to be an airport fire truck, near runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport. The incident disrupted one of the busiest airports in the United States, forcing authorities to halt all aircraft movements.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 confirmed that airport operations were suspended shortly after the collision. The aircraft involved appeared stationary on the runway when the ground vehicle approached, based on initial visuals and tracking inputs.
Air traffic control communications revealed escalating concern seconds before the crash. Controllers instructed the ground vehicle, identified as Truck 1, to stop multiple times. Despite repeated warnings, the vehicle proceeded and collided with the aircraft.
Following the impact, controllers immediately instructed nearby aircraft to abort landings and execute go-arounds. Flights already in the approach phase were redirected to maintain safe separation.
ATC Audio Captures Critical Moments Before Impact
Audio recordings from the LaGuardia control tower provide a detailed timeline of the incident. The ground vehicle had received clearance to cross runway 4 at the Delta taxiway before the situation deteriorated.
Controllers quickly reversed instructions upon detecting a conflict. Urgent commands such as stop Truck 1 were repeated several times. Seconds later, the collision occurred, confirming a breakdown in ground movement coordination.
After the crash, ATC acknowledged the collision and coordinated emergency response units. The affected aircraft was instructed to hold position while rescue teams were dispatched.
FAA Orders Ground Stop and Airport Closure
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an immediate ground stop for all inbound and outbound flights at LaGuardia Airport. The agency cited an emergency situation without detailing the full extent of damage or injuries.
A Notice to Airmen indicated that the airport could remain closed until at least 1800 GMT, depending on the progress of emergency operations and runway clearance.
Additional communications from airport vehicles confirmed that runway 4-22 was closed. Police and emergency responders secured the area while assessing the situation.
Aircraft Damage and Passenger Evacuation
Visuals circulating on social media suggest that the aircraft sustained significant damage. Passengers were evacuated onto the tarmac as a precautionary measure.
There is no official confirmation regarding injuries or casualties at this stage. Authorities have not released a formal statement detailing the condition of passengers or crew.
The authenticity of some visual content remains unverified by independent sources. Investigations are expected to focus on communication procedures and ground vehicle coordination.
Similar Incident
Ryanair (FR) confirmed a ground incident involving a Boeing 737 at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) during taxi for a flight to Faro Airport (FAO). The aircraft’s wingtip struck a fuel truck, prompting a precautionary evacuation.
No injuries were reported, and airport operations at Edinburgh (EDI) continued normally. Passengers later departed for Faro (FAO) on a replacement aircraft after a delay.
The incident occurred shortly after 10:00 a.m. local time as the Ryanair Boeing 737 was taxiing for departure. During ground movement, the aircraft’s wingtip made contact with a stationary fuel tanker on the airfield.
The aircraft was moving at low speed, which reduced the severity of the impact. As a precaution, passengers were instructed to disembark in a controlled and routine manner. Cabin crew communicated clearly with passengers, confirming that the situation was under control.
The aircraft involved in the collision was withdrawn from service for inspection and assessment. Ryanair arranged a replacement aircraft to operate the delayed service to Faro.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received the alert at 10:04 a.m. and deployed six fire appliances as a precaution. Emergency teams arrived promptly and assessed the situation on site.
After confirming there was no fire risk or injuries, most units were stood down. One appliance remained briefly to coordinate with airport authorities before leaving the scene. The full response was concluded within approximately ten minutes.
Airport operations continued without disruption throughout the incident. No other flights at Edinburgh Airport were affected.
Airline and Ground Handling Response
Ryanair stated that the wingtip struck the cab of a fuel truck operated by Swissport during pre-departure taxi. The airline confirmed that all passengers disembarked safely and were accommodated on a replacement aircraft.
Swissport acknowledged the incident and stated that safety remains its primary focus. The company is cooperating with Ryanair and the relevant authorities as part of an ongoing review.
Passengers were provided with airport vouchers during the delay before continuing their journey to Faro.
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