Two pilots have been confirmed dead after an Air Canada Express plane collided with a firefighting vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
The plane, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, was travelling at a speed of 24 mph when the collision took place.
Forty-one passengers and crew were taken to the hospital, along with two officers who were in the ground vehicle. According to officials, 32 were out of the hospital.
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will look at all aspects of “exactly what went on during the crash”.
While briefing the media, she said that the vehicle was carrying two officers. “Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased,” she said.
Following the investigation, the LaGuardia Airport was closed until 14:00 local time (18:00 GMT).
Several videos of the aftermath emerged on social media showing evacuation and rescue operations at the airport.
The New York City Police Department told people to “expect delays and avoid the area if possible.”
The New York City Fire Department also cautioned the people and alerted them regarding road closures, traffic delays and cancellations.
The incident occurred around 11:38 pm (local time). The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has, meanwhile, issued a ground stop for all planes at the airport. Earlier, the FAA notice showed that the reason for the halt at the airport was an emergency, and there was a high probability of an extension, without specifying any details.
An investigation was launched by the authorities into the incident.
Reportedly, the New York Port Authority stated that the fire truck was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines plane at the time of the collision.
