New York: A major incident unfolded at LaGuardia Airport after an Air Canada Express aircraft collided with a ground vehicle on the runway, leading to multiple injuries and disruption of flight operations.
The collision involved a CRJ-900 aircraft arriving from Montreal and a fire engine on Runway 4, according to initial reports.
Emergency response and ground stop
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an immediate ground stop, halting all incoming flights at the busy airport.
A notice from the regulator cited an “emergency” as the reason for suspending operations, with indications that the restrictions could be extended depending on the situation.
Authorities also issued a notice to airmen suggesting that the airport could remain closed to arrivals until 1800 GMT, although timelines remain subject to change.
Injuries reported, details awaited
While several people are feared to have been injured in the collision, officials have not yet confirmed the exact number or severity of injuries.
Emergency services were quickly deployed to the scene, and evacuation procedures were initiated for passengers onboard the aircraft.
The lack of immediate clarity on casualties and damage has added to concerns, as investigators begin assessing the situation.
Videos show aftermath of collision
Videos circulating on social media appear to show the aftermath of the crash, including visible damage to the aircraft’s nose.
In some clips, passengers can be seen deplaning as rescue teams carry out operations on the runway. However, these visuals have not yet been independently verified by authorities.
Impact on airport operations
LaGuardia Airport, one of the busiest in the United States, faced significant disruption due to the ground stop.
Flights bound for the airport were delayed or diverted, affecting travel plans for thousands of passengers.
Airlines and airport authorities are expected to gradually resume operations once safety checks and runway inspections are completed.
Investigation underway
The FAA and other aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision.
Key aspects under review will include communication between the aircraft and ground control, visibility conditions, and adherence to runway protocols.
Such incidents, while rare, highlight the complexities of managing high-traffic airports where aircraft and ground vehicles operate in close proximity.
Conclusion
The collision at LaGuardia Airport has raised fresh concerns about runway safety and coordination between aircraft and ground operations. With investigations underway and operations temporarily halted, authorities are expected to prioritise passenger safety while working towards restoring normalcy.
Further updates are awaited as officials release more details on injuries and the extent of damage.