New York’s LaGuardia Airport has been closed indefinitely after an Air Canada aircraft struck a firefighting vehicle that was responding to another emergency.
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ground stop for the airport late on Sunday and said it was likely to remain in effect.CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, reported that the plane was arriving from Montreal and had touched down when it slowed to around 24 miles per hour and hit a vehicle operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the airport.
The plane, a smaller CRJ 900 carrying approximately 70 passengers, sustained extensive damage.
Local media reported multiple injuries. Social media videos showed the aircraft, operated by Air Canada’s regional partner Jazz Aviation, coming to a stop with its nose lifted.
LaGuardia Airport confirmed the plane collided with a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was attending a separate situation.
Emergency procedures were immediately enacted, and the Port Authority Police Department arrived on site along with the agency’s chairman and executive director.A preliminary passenger list indicated there were 76 people on board, including four crew members, according to Jazz Aviation.
The New York City Police Department advised travellers to expect delays and avoid the area. All roads and highway exits leading to the airport were closed until further notice.
The fire department also warned of cancellations, road blockages, and traffic congestion near the airport and suggested alternative routes.
The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to investigate the crash.