LaGuardia Airport Breaks Silence After Fatal Crash
Two pilots were killed and dozens were injured when an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night.
Forty-one passengers and crew members were taken to the hospital, Kathryn Garcia, the executive director of the airport operator, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, announced in a press conference on Monday morning. She said that 32 of the injured were released, but others were seriously injured and remained hospitalized as a result of the crash.
Meanwhile, two officers in the fire truck were among those hospitalized and were in stable condition
LaGuardia Airport Breaks Silence on Fatal Crash
The official social media page for LaGuardia Airport issued a statement following the fatal accident.
"At approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada was involved in an incident on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport in which the aircraft struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate incident," the statement read.
" ... The airport is currently closed to facilitate the response and allow for a thorough investigation. This is a developing situation based on preliminary information. The Port Authority Police Department is working closely with our airline partners as well as federal authorities and will provide additional updates as more details become available."
The latest message from the account confirmed the airport will remain closed until at least 2 p.m. ET on Monday, March 23 to allow for a thorough investigation.
Jazz Aviation Speaks Out After Pilot, First Officer Killed
Jazz Aviation, which operates Air Canada, said it is "deeply saddened" by the loss to two employees and promised to work to support family members and employees.
"Today is an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident involving flight 8646," Doug Clarke, President, Jazz Aviation LP said in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our two pilots and our unwavering support to those who have been injured."
"As the investigation unfolds, we are fully committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities to determine what happened. We will share updates as soon as verified information becomes available. We will continue to provide our full support in the days and weeks ahead."
The preliminary passenger list indicates the aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.